Come To The Table: Recent Episodes
Pastor Mark Kirk
Come To The Table is the radio Bible teaching ministry of Mark Kirk, Senior Pastor of Calvary Knoxville, a non-denominational Christian Church located in Knoxville, TN. For more information visit https://thewaymedia.net/
Mary had an extraordinary understanding of Jesus’ path—His death and resurrection—while even His closest disciples were unaware until it was over. How could she grasp what others couldn’t? The answer lies in her devotion to Jesus; Mary spent her time at Jesus’ feet, absorbing His words and presence. Today, Pastor Mark emphasizes that if you desire deep spiritual insight and understanding beyond what spiritual leaders and teachers may share, commit to being in His presence. Devotion to Jesus can reveal truths that others might overlook. Spend time with Jesus today, soaking in His words and His presence.
Mary’s act of pouring out a perfume worth $60,000 at Jesus’ feet was a moment of pure, reckless devotion. It’s a level of love that makes you stop and think, would you do the same? Would you be willing to give up something so valuable? Her actions push us to reflect on what true, sacrificial love for the Lord really looks like. Today, Pastor Mark shares that while many of us love the Lord, we may hesitate to display such radical, unreserved worship. Imagine the silence that must have fallen as everyone watched, stunned by her sacrificial act. Does this story challenge you to seek a deeper, more wholehearted love for Jesus?
It’s powerful to reflect on how Jesus, our Passover Lamb, was examined by all and found blameless. The religious leaders, from Pharisees to Sadducees, scrutinized Him, only to be silenced. Even Pilate, representing the government, declared, “I find no fault in this man.” He was truly the sinless Son of God. Today, Pastor Mark explains that this public examination fulfilled the role of the Passover lamb, ensuring that the One who would take away the sins of the world was truly spotless. Just as families once examined their Passover sacrifice, so the world tested Jesus and confirmed His innocence. Praise Jesus for His perfect sacrifice!
It’s striking how our society embraces the teaching of various religions in schools, promoting diversity and inclusion. Yet, the moment Jesus is mentioned as the only way to God, everything changes. The reaction is swift: “Separation of church and state!” Christians are then accused of being bigots and close-minded. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that other religions pose no real threat because they lack the power and authority of Christ. While other belief systems may be tolerated, the transformative power of Jesus is often met with resistance. How can you stand firm in your faith when faced with such challenges?
Imagine witnessing the incredible power and miracles of Jesus for a thousand years yet still not believing in Him. It’s a perplexing thought, yet Pastor Mark points out that even in the face of His miracles and glory, some will still choose to turn away. It all comes down to a heart issue and a personal decision. Today, Pastor Mark emphasizes that many think everyone is good at heart and just needs the right environment to do the right thing. But the reality of the Millennial Kingdom challenges that belief. It shows that even in perfect circumstances, belief is a choice we must actively make. Are you choosing to believe?
When Jesus arrived to heal Lazarus, the people there began telling Him that it was too late for Him to do anything, because he had already died and the body had begun to stink. But Jesus eventually resurrected Lazarus, demonstrating that He's the God of the Impossible. You may feel the same way, believing that you’re too far gone and separated from God to return to Him. But is that the truth? Today, Pastor Mark illustrates how God can make changes in your life at any time. Even if your life is dead on the inside and stinks like Lazarus', Jesus is here to tell you that He has the power to revive and heal. All He desires is a little faith!
When Jesus arrived on the fourth day, Mary did not come out to greet Him because she was fighting with her emotions. She got the guilty idea that Jesus willfully let Lazarus die and arrived four days late for his funeral. But she eventually realized what Jesus was up to, and it strengthened her faith to new heights. Have you been experiencing similar emotions? Today, Pastor Mark emphasizes how God wants nothing but the best for your life. You may believe that He has abandoned you and you’re completely alone. But God never gave up on you. He's simply trying to take your faith to the next level. All you have to do is trust in His ways!
With each passing day, Martha and Mary lost hope of seeing their brother alive and well. When Jesus did not show up for several days, their faith in Him began to waver. When He arrived on the fourth day, both sisters had given up hope because their brother had died. The miracle performed by Jesus sparked a new chapter of faith in their lives. How about you? Have you been in a difficult position lately and wondered why your prayers have gone unanswered? In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches how to be persistent in your faith in God. He knows what's best for you, but He will reveal it to you at the right time. Just be patient!
You may wonder why God allowed such troubles in Job's life. He had to go through tribulations in his life, which puzzled and amused people who knew about Job's faith in God. They even made fun of him for it. But God eventually came through, and His splendor was revealed through Job's life. Even you may ask why God has let tragedy into your life. But how often do you see these trials from a positive perspective? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how God uses obstacles in your life to His glory. Instead of facing such challenges with a heavy heart, you can trust that God will turn them around for your good!
Do you remember the first time someone close to you passed away? The first time that a death really hit you hard? It can start to make you question everything, even your faith. Pastor Mark comforts you today by reminding you that even Jesus experienced that kind of loss. It’s a deeply human experience. It may seem like there’s no reason for the madness going on in your life, but there is a God behind it all. He loves you and cares for you, and He will use those dark moments in your life for His glory. Remember that even the darkest nights are followed by the morning, and every storm will eventually pass over you.
Remember that one time that Jesus said, “Follow me and you’ll have no problems in life”? Well, you probably don’t remember because Jesus never said that! Pastor Mark reminds you today that the Christian life doesn’t guarantee an easy path through this life. In fact, in many ways, it is harder for Christians. Not only are Christians subject to the same earthly struggles as nonbelievers, but there can also be an added component of spiritual attacks from the enemy. The good news is that through thick and thin, as long as you stay faithful to following Jesus, He will be faithful to you, guiding and protecting you through it all.
What makes someone the greatest? People will spend hours and hours debating what criteria make someone the greatest athlete, movie star, or musician. But when it comes to the Kingdom of God, the criteria are very clear! You must preach God’s Word with conviction, and not give in to the pressures of the world. John the Baptist was the greatest of the prophets because he was the one who had the privilege to reveal Jesus as the Messiah and help kick off Jesus’ ministry. Pastor Mark reminds you today that you may not be a prophet like John, but you can share his status in the Kingdom of God by preaching the Gospel.
In baseball, runners need to be on base in order to avoid being tagged out. If they step off of their base, they can be tagged by a watchful defensive player. And just like baseball players, Christians need to build their lives on the word of God to be safe from the world’s attacks! Don’t risk getting caught off base. Pastor Mark teaches you today that your life will only end in God’s timing. That doesn’t protect you from foolish activity, but it should give you comfort that the enemy can’t do anything to you without God knowing about it. And when you do die, you will be in Heaven with Jesus! Your life now is just the beginning.
Have you ever listened to old recordings of music or speaking? Not so long ago, audio recording was a difficult process, and the quality of the recorded audio was significantly worse than the original sound. Pastor Mark teaches you today that life on Earth is like a poor recording of what life will be like in Heaven. When you get to Heaven, the glory of God’s presence will be so great that you won’t even remember the things that you struggled with on Earth. Don’t hold on tightly to your life on Earth, because the things of this world will fade away. Instead, place your hope in Jesus, and think of the life that is to come.
If you have a perfectly white sheet of paper, and you spill coffee on it, that paper has been irreversibly stained. And Pastor Mark teaches us today that that’s exactly what sin has done to the human race, we are permanently stained by sin. But there is hope for us, a way for us to be restored to God’s original design. God knew that He couldn’t be reunited with humanity unless the stain of our sin was completely reversed. The stain would tarnish the Lord’s righteousness as well. So God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take on all of the sins of the world, and pay the penalty that we brought upon ourselves with our sinful behavior.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time thought that they were the ones in charge. They tried to force their version of faith on the whole nation of Israel, but in reality, their teachings served their own interests, not God’s. Pastor Mark wants you to know that Heaven doesn’t move on anyone’s authority besides God’s. Jesus knew that He had the ultimate authority over the things of Heaven and Earth. If He wanted to, He could have called down fire from Heaven on the Pharisees who questioned His authority. But yet, He chose to show mercy and rebuke the Pharisees, giving them the opportunity to repent and follow Him.
Your reason for worshipping God matters just as much as your worship itself. He wants you to worship joyfully, from a place of gratitude, rather than to worship out of fear or dread. That is one of the things that separates Christianity from other world religions, you worship God because of the love He has shown. As Pastor Mark teaches on John chapter 10, you’ll learn how Jesus cares for His sheep and was even willing to die for them. Your response to that knowledge should be to worship him out of thankfulness, not out of fear. As you spend more time in God’s presence, the more natural it feels to give Him praise!
When we believe in Jesus, we inherit the kingdom of God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says when we believe we have full access to the Father, and can approach Him at any time. He wants to listen because He loves you. God yearns for a relationship with you and wants you to be in communion with Him. If you don’t trust in God, there’s no better time than now. He wants you to trust Him so He can guide you to a way that’s far better than anything this world will tell you is good. His way is better, you can only see that if you fully trust in Him. He loves you and would want nothing better than for you to give your life to Him.
There’s no other name in this world that can save other than Jesus Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says, if anyone teaches otherwise, they’re lying and deceived. Jesus calls Himself the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Him. All you must do to be saved is believe. Jesus loves you and wants a relationship with you. When you believe in Jesus, you have hope that’s greater than any hope this world can give. God is love, that’s why He sent His Son for you. Jesus died on the cross so you can be free from the chains of sin and have a relationship with Him. Trust in Jesus today!
Every day something new from this world will disappoint you. Whether it’s people, plans, or just everyday objects. Everything in this world will fail you. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says we must follow Jesus because He won’t fail. Jesus promises an inheritance in Heaven for all those who believe in Him. Trust Jesus today because He’ll never fail you. He loves you so much that He went to the cross for your sins. When Jesus makes a promise, it happens. We see it throughout scripture: Jesus’s promises always stand. Trust in the one who’ll never fail you and believe that He is the only one who can save you and this world.
Scripture says that believers will be rejected and mocked by the world. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says though Christians will be rejected by the world, God draws near to them. God is a God of love, and He wants to be close to you. That’s why amidst persecution, He draws closer to you, to comfort you and give you peace. God loves you for who you are. He made you and wanted a relationship with you. He sent His Son to die on the cross for your sins. The cross stands as a proclamation that the grave has been defeated and Jesus has conquered once and for all. He made a way when there wasn’t a way, that’s just how good He is.
Jesus changes everything about our lives. He died and rose again on the third day for our sins to be forgiven. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says the questions of this world don’t matter because Jesus is the only way to salvation. Without Jesus, our lives are meaningless, but with Jesus, we have a purpose. Jesus lived a perfect life, so you don’t have to. He went to the cross so you can have a relationship with the king of kings. Jesus bridged the gap that was there. Your sins are forgiven! All you must do is believe and trust that He is who He says He is. There’s a king who defeated the grave, so you don’t have to.
There are a couple of diseases that get passed down just because someone in your family has them. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says sin is a disease that has tainted our bloodline. Ever since Adam we’ve been stained with sin and in need of a savior. That’s where Jesus comes in, He’s the only one who can save. Jesus died on the cross for you. He loves you and humbled himself even though He knew it would hurt. He took all your sins to the cross and has given you new life in Him. Because of this, you can walk freely knowing your sins are forgiven. Jesus made a way for you to have a relationship with the Father because of love.
The Bible is truth; anyone who doesn’t believe is walking in darkness. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says though we can be firm with those in authority in the church about their walks with Christ, we must talk in love and kindness toward lost people because that’s how Jesus is with us. He loves you and wants you. We’re all broken and in need of a savior. Because of this, we need to be kind to those around us. His mercies are new every morning for you, He loves you and wants a relationship with you. If you don’t know Jesus, there’s no greater time than now to put your faith in Him. Trust in Him and find your hope in the one who saves.
Retaliation is a real emotion. It’s the result of sin and everyone’s nature to get payback for what’s wrong. Scripture tells us that God’s the ultimate judge and He’ll come back with a vengeance. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says we must speak the truth like Jesus did when people around Him were wrong. Just as Jesus was humble, you should also be humble. This means thinking of yourself more than others. You must always ask yourself the question how is what am I doing going to affect those around me? Jesus was humble to the point of death on a cross, doesn’t that make you want to be humble before others?
Have you ever wondered why you don’t find a lion in a petting zoo? Well, there aren’t very many people who would feel safe approaching a lion without some sort of barrier to protect them! So why do so many Christians flirt with temptation, knowing full well that it would be better for them to run the other way? A Christian’s reaction to temptation should be to turn away and avoid sin at all costs. Pastor Mark teaches you today that freedom in Christ is given freely, but it can be difficult to maintain. If you don’t guard your heart from temptation, and seek the things of God instead, you may allow the chains of sin to bind you.
Jesus died for you to be free from the burden of sin, but also to give you the opportunity to live life in communion with Him. Your freedom is a gift, but it’s also a gift that can be shared with others. You have the opportunity to reach people around you who may not have known the hope of the Gospel without you. Many New Testament teachers implore their readers to live their lives like Jesus was returning tomorrow. And Pastor Mark is no different in today’s message. What would you do if you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow? How many people would you tell? How excited would you be to share the good news?
What’s the big deal about being a disciple of Jesus? Isn’t it enough to just accept His forgiveness and live a life that is just “good enough” to get into Heaven? Well, if you truly understand the magnitude of what Jesus has done for you, why wouldn’t you be excited to follow Him and spread the Gospel to everyone? Pastor Mark wants you to know today that there are requirements to be a disciple of Christ. You must deny your own personal wealth and security, be willing to give it all away for the sake of Jesus and devote yourself to studying His Word. Only then will you begin to become more like Christ.
Have you ever attended a fireworks show? It takes hours of work and thousands of dollars to pull off even a small fireworks display, and it’s all for a show that lasts at most a few minutes. Do you want your life to burn fast and fizzle out like a cheap firework? God is offering you the chance to live a different way. The path through life that God offers you is one that is going to be more difficult because following God is not meant to be an easy path. But Pastor Mark encourages you to make the tough choice and follow God, because eternal life in Heaven beats any sort of life of extravagance and opulence you can have on Earth.
Many people looked Jesus right in the face and didn’t understand who He was. They didn’t realize they were looking at the face of God, made flesh, and sent to Earth to save them from their sins. But yet, when He spoke, people began to understand that they were witnessing the Messiah they had been hoping for. Pastor Mark doesn’t want you to miss out on what Jesus has to tell you today. He may be standing before you in plain sight, waiting for you to notice His voice among the noise in the world around you. All you need is to calm your mind and open your ears to hear the words that He is speaking.
Our God is a God that can turn every evil thing around, and use them for His glory! There are countless examples throughout history of how, even in the midst of tragedy or sorrow, God can intervene and plant seeds of hope that blossom when the enemy tries to wreak havoc and despair. When God turns evil things into good, He does so to teach His children a lesson. Pastor Mark reminds us in today’s message to be mindful of what is going on in the world around us, even tragic events, and to be uplifted by the stories of hope that come out of the rubble. The Lord’s presence envelops the suffering.
There’s a fine line drawn between lovingly correcting a fellow believer in sin, and judging someone for their sin. Pastor Mark reminds you today that it all comes down to your attitude when you address your brother or sister’s sin. Are you calling them out in love, or are you doing it to make yourself look righteous? Attitude is everything in Christian life. Give joyfully. Correct with love. Be of gentle and quiet spirit. Pastor Mark wants you to remember that you are also guilty of sin, and you are also in need of God’s grace. You can correct your brother or sister while still encouraging them to continue on the path of righteousness.
What happens when you are driving a car and realize the gas tank is almost empty? You have to put everything on hold and find a gas station so that you don’t end up stranded. Well, Pastor Mark teaches you today that your soul can run on empty if you aren’t spending time in God’s presence every day. Spending time with the Lord fills you with the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help guide His children through the world’s challenges. But if you aren’t spending time in God’s presence being filled and recharged, you may not be able to see the Spirit’s presence as He intervenes on your behalf.
When you go to your local supermarket, it can seem like there are dozens of options for every item in your pantry. You can get overwhelmed by the amount of options and end up with something you didn’t even want. But the Bible only gives you one Jesus to choose from, you can take Him or leave Him. You can’t serve a Jesus that’s different from the one described in Scripture. Pastor Mark wants you to be sure today that you are on the correct path, and not following a path laid before you by false teachers. When you obey the teachings of Scripture, you will find yourself on the narrow path of righteousness.
Do you want to feel like a runaway train? Like a linebacker that can run through a sheet of drywall without flinching? Well, Pastor Mark wants you to know today that the believer who isn’t afraid of death will have the kind of boldness to stand up to evil and proclaim the truth, no matter the consequences. When you are truly surrendered to God, and don’t fear the sting of death, there’s nothing that He can’t do through you! Look throughout history, there are multitudes of martyrs who gave it all for the sake of Jesus, to spread His Kingdom on earth. When push comes to shove, will you be willing to give up your life?
Have you ever felt like you can’t learn about the Bible, because you didn’t go to Bible school? Or maybe you think you could never lead a Bible study or share truth from the Scriptures because you didn’t go to seminary. Jesus didn’t go to a Bible school. He was taught about scriptures straight from God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach that you can learn and share about the Bible without a fancy degree. If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living in you, teaching you and opening your eyes to what the Word of God means. Don’t discount what God can do through you and the truth in His Word.
We live in a culture that condemns the act of judging, don’t we? We are looked down upon if we ever speak truth into anyone’s life. However, the Bible tells us to judge. It doesn’t tell us to condemn, but we can use judgment. We are commanded to call out the sin we see in another believer’s life, as long as it’s done in love. In his message today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to judge, but judge righteously. Don’t let your own sin cloud your judgment. Make sure your advice is grounded in scripture. Speak with love and compassion to a believer who may have a blind spot to sin in their life. Don’t condemn them, but speak truth in love.
We all want to be liked, don’t we? Nobody seeks to be hated by everyone in the world. It’s a strong human desire to be liked, so that can make it hard to speak the truth when we know others don’t agree with us. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be a witness to the light that is Jesus. Don’t shy away from speaking the truth. That doesn’t mean you have to call out the sin of friends and family members in your life, but you can speak the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done for you. Don’t worry about what others think about you. Concentrate on what God thinks of you and what He’s called you to do.
How do we react when we’re attacked verbally? Maybe we’re expressing the truth of who Jesus is, and someone spews hateful words at us. It’s so easy to react out of our flesh and emotions. In his message today, Pastor Mark will remind you that it’s not really you that the world hates, it’s the God you stand for. It’s so important when you are attacked for your beliefs that you are led by the Holy Spirit inside of you instead of the flesh. Then you can answer back to hate with love instead of hate. Don’t let the world get the better of you. Don’t answer back out of your own sinful nature. Let the world see Jesus living inside of you.
It’s difficult to go through times in our faith when we don’t feel God’s presence as much as we used to, isn’t it? It’s also difficult to wrestle with why God is allowing pain and struggle to happen in our lives. What if we sense God calling us to do something challenging? It’s tempting to pull away from God in the hard times. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to stay faithful to God. Recall all the times that God has proved Himself to you in the past. Remember that He knows what He’s doing more than you do. Stand firm in the knowledge that the God of all creation loves you and wants only the best things for you.
Do we seek God’s face or God’s hand? It’s easy when we’re new Christians to concentrate on seeking God’s hand. Our prayers are focused on what we can get from God. In our times of worship, we think about what we receive. God wants to pour out blessings on us, but He really wants to have a relationship with us. In his message today, Pastor Mark will challenge you to take a step of maturation in your faith. Instead of seeking God’s hand, seek His face. Concentrate on getting to know God and just spend time with Him. Rest in His presence and bless Him when you pray. Know that worship is about giving to God, not receiving.
We think that the message of the gospel is fairly clear. Jesus said He’s the only way to get to God. How can you get clearer than that? Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. However, we are hearing those words through ears that have been opened by the Holy Spirit. Other people aren’t equipped to understand those words. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that you have the Holy Spirit living inside you to help you understand scripture. You can’t argue someone into God’s Kingdom. You can tell them the truth, but God has to open their minds and invite them in. As you share the gospel, pray God will open their eyes.
That’s an important question. Are you content in life? Are you always thinking about the things that you don’t have that would make you content? Maybe it’s a higher-paying job or a bigger house. If you’re not content, even when you get the thing you think you want, you won’t be satisfied. There’s only one way to be content. In his message today, Pastor Mark will teach that true contentment only comes from Jesus. Jesus is your daily bread. He is all you need. It’s only by filling yourself up with His presence and His Word, that you will eat your fill. Dig into Jesus, your manna from heaven, and be satisfied and content.
You might come across instances in your life where you are unsure of what you should do next. It might be your work or relationship. The sense of being stuck in a situation often leads to anxiety in your life and can make you feel lifeless at times. In those moments, you may wish for someone's assistance or even encouragement. People around you may not always comprehend your circumstances. But do you know who will? In today's message, Pastor Mark outlines how you can seek God's help in any situation. When you are emotionally weary and weak, He will strengthen you and help you get through difficult situations!
The crowd followed Jesus because they were motivated by a hidden objective. They wanted Jesus to lead them and rule over other nations. They did not believe He was the Son of God but rather saw Him as a prophet. Even in our own lives, we frequently turn to Jesus only when we need something from Him. In today's message, Pastor Mark reveals how Jesus wants to have a relationship with you. He desires that you discuss all of your ideas with Him and love Him wholeheartedly. When you make Jesus your priority and begin to rely on Him at all times, you can be confident that He will meet your every need and desire!
When the disciples were on the ship, a terrible storm hit, leaving them wondering and doubting their safety. The absence of Jesus aboard the ship made matters worse. Similarly, you may experience a challenging situation in your life and wonder if Jesus is truly protecting you. You may begin to make your own decisions, thereby worsening the issue. What can you do about it? In today's message, Pastor Mark outlines how you can begin to grow your trust in Jesus. Even when the disciples questioned their faith, Jesus came to their rescue. He'll do the same for you. But how can you start growing in your faith in Christ?
Has this ever happened to you that you received the answer from God miraculously for a huge difficulty that you had to face? You might be filled with joy, knowing that God has got your back. But sometimes He can put you through trials, right after He does miracles in your life. You may often start doubting God and wonder if the miracle in your life was just a coincidence. But is that the truth? In today’s message, Pastor Mark tells you how God often puts your faith to the test. He may allow certain difficulties in your life to see whether you truly trust Him. Instead of relying on worldly remedies, you should always turn to God first and rely on Him at all times!
When Jesus received the five loaves of bread and two fish, He gave thanks and multiplied them to serve the five thousand people in attendance. He was anxious to feed the people because He felt compassion for them. Similarly, receiving Jesus into your life fills you with eternal joy and peace. He rejuvenates your life and gives it new meaning. In today's message, Pastor Mark explains how you could share the gospel with others. Jesus has given you spiritual gifts for which you can be grateful, and you can double the blessings in your life by using those skills to spread the gospel to others, and bring them back to Jesus!
Sometimes you might need a miracle in your life. But oftentimes you oppose God's healing by creating excuses and believing that you are unworthy of it. You tend to elevate your troubles above your faith in God, leading you to believe that you can no longer be saved. But are you aware that you are serving an almighty God? Today, Pastor Mark emphasizes that nothing is impossible for God. When you reach a moment in your life where you can't see any other way, you can ask Jesus for help. You can be confident that your heavenly Father will cure you, or clear a path for you even when you don't see one. All you need to do is trust Him!
You may have heard the saying "Half knowledge is a dangerous thing." Many new Christians assume that reading the New Testament is sufficient to build their relationship with Jesus. You may find the Old Testament irrelevant and even dull to read. But have you considered how the Old and New Testaments are interconnected? In the message today, Pastor Mark emphasizes the importance of studying the entire Bible. God's Word is written in a way that connects the Old and New Testaments. When you study the entire Bible, you will receive actual knowledge of God's word and be able to solidify your relationship with Jesus!
When you accept Jesus into your heart, He gives you a new calling in life. You may have been told that Jesus has called you to spread the good news of the gospel to those around you. However, you may wonder how you can convey your beliefs if you lack the necessary personality traits. You may watch other preachers and question whether you have the same calling as them. But do you realize that you are not the one who works in the lives of individuals you preach to? Today, Pastor Mark explains how the Holy Spirit controls everything. When you submit to the will of God's spirit, He will guide you and tell you what to say.
People choose to believe in various Gods, believing that they will provide the solution to all their problems. Addictions can sometimes take control of your life, and you willingly choose to give in to your vulnerabilities. But are you sure who you should serve? In the message today, Pastor Mark teaches that Jesus is the only way to eternal life in heaven. When you choose to believe in Him and make Him your priority, you can be confident that you will overcome any other weaknesses in your life. The God of the Bible is the only God you should worship since Jesus was the only one who died on the cross for your sins!
The Pharisees and priests were so irritated by Christ's comments that they planned to have Him executed. Their feelings for their own religious rules drove them to the point where they were willing to kill someone to protect their religion. Even today, you may encounter people who disagree with you and become defensive about their faith. In today's message, Pastor Mark emphasizes that Christianity is a relationship rather than a religion. Only through Jesus can you get eternal life. Instead of only following the rules, you can begin to develop a relationship with Jesus!
The enemy usually tries to distract you by adding specific addictions to your life. The results can possibly make you sick. Even when God intends to cure you from your pain, you frequently make excuses and may even defend your addiction at times. You may turn to worldly solutions rather than trusting God to heal you. In today's message, Pastor Mark outlines how you can start submitting to God. He wants you to come to Him willingly and seek His help. Jesus wants to help and cure you. But are you willing to give up your excuses and start relying on His abundant grace? Are you humble enough to seek His help?
There is usually something in our lives that we battle with. It may be an addiction or a bad habit. No matter how hard you try, you may still fail to defeat it. The people of Israel had the same problem. Even though God was with them and met all of their needs, they doubted Him and did what they felt was proper. Have you ever tried putting your faith in God's Word? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how God can help you in your time of need. He's capable of doing so. But all He asks of you is that you believe in His Word, love Him with all your heart, and start building a relationship with Him! That’s how you can defeat your weaknesses!
We often see people turn to God when something goes awry in their lives and they desperately need help. And people sometimes become Christians because they think it will bring them happiness and prosperity. But today, Pastor Mark challenges these approaches. Jesus came not to perform, but to love. When you look at your prayer life, how much of it is asking for help, versus simply loving God? Today, Pastor Mark will issue you a challenge: go just a few minutes in prayer without asking for anything. Instead, just be with Him. You’ll find that your love for Jesus will grow, and that’s all that’s important anyway.
It’s easy to think that God loves people like us. And it’s not too hard to talk about Jesus with people who are like ourselves. But what about people who are very different? Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus Himself set the example, by going to Samaritans, Romans, and all kinds of other people. Who would you find it easy to talk with about Jesus? And who do you think would be a real stretch for you? Today, Pastor Mark encourages each of us to go out of our comfort zones. Who do you know who needs Jesus? Not only someone who is like you but someone who is quite different. What will you do?
Suppose you’ve just eaten a great meal that’s full of tasty and healthy nourishment. Now you’re ready to head to the gym for two hours or tackle that project at work that you’ve been putting off. Today, Pastor Mark asks us to imagine what it would be like if we had that same enthusiasm for the spiritual food that Jesus offers. Jesus found strength that didn’t come from this physical world. It came from His passion for doing the will of His Father in heaven and finishing His work. Today, Pastor Mark explains that God wants to nourish and strengthen you that same way. When you have that passion for God’s work, He’ll give you that strength.
How many people have searched for that elusive goal – that Olympic medal, that big hit song, or that starring role in a blockbuster movie – and never reached it? But today, Pastor Mark asks us to consider those who did reach it – yet didn’t find the satisfaction they expected. Because they were looking in the wrong place. The Samaritan woman came to Jacob’s well to get some physical water. Jesus offered her something better, something that would bring real and eternal satisfaction: His living water. Today, Pastor Mark presents you with that same choice: where will you go to find the water that will truly … and eternally … satisfy you?
When Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, she was only looking for earthly satisfaction. But Jesus offered her something eternal – His living water. Today, Pastor Mark breaks down this well-known conversation to show how Jesus evangelized the people He met in his day-to-day experiences on Earth. When you read how Jesus shared His good news, it can be a little intimidating. After all, He’s Jesus! And you’re just … you. But with Pastor Mark’s encouragement, you’ll find that it’s not as overwhelming as it may sometimes seem. You can affect people for Jesus, just as He Himself did. By following His example.
All around us, as we walk through our places of work, or school, or neighborhood, we come into contact with people who don’t know Jesus. It can be a little overwhelming, but today, Pastor Mark shares the best possible example of how to present Jesus, by showing us how Jesus Himself presented His good news. It’s easy to get our minds and our schedules completely filled up with our own things. And we can forget about those around us who need the good news of forgiveness. You can be God’s witness to His world. Today, Pastor Mark clearly lays out a plan for how you can do it – simply by imitating the way Jesus did it.
God gave John the Baptist a ministry unlike any other in history. He was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. And when Jesus was revealed to John, John announced Jesus to the world. And as Pastor Mark shares today, John knew when it was time for his role to fade out. And He was grateful for that. It’s easy to look at other churches, or other ministries in our church, or even other people in our ministry, and wonder “Why?” Why them, and not us… or me? Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that God appoints whom He wants, where He wants, and when He wants. So, be encouraged: God does a role for you.
Before Jesus started His public ministry, God sent his cousin, John the Baptist, to prepare the way. And John understood his role clearly. But as Pastor Mark explains today, some of John’s followers weren’t quite as sure. So, when Jesus came on the scene, and people started going to Him, they became a little disturbed. When you see people who seem to be having more impact for the kingdom of God than you do, how does that make you feel? Do you rejoice that God’s work is being done, or do you wonder why God isn’t doing more through you? Today, Pastor Mark explains how you can make yourself more available to God.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be encouraging you to walk in the grace of God and in His forgiveness. The enemy will always try to make you feel guilty for your sin- but remember you're forgiven of all your past, present, and future sins! Be encouraged that although you’ve lived a past life of sin, you now have the power of the Holy Spirit to be molded more and more into the image of Jesus. Sin no longer has dominion over you! You have been transformed into a new creation in Jesus, the old man has passed away and the Lord is making you new.
Today, Pastor Mark will be explaining to you how everyone born has a sin nature because of the original sin of Adam and Eve. Everyone has a natural inclination to sin and rebel against God, it’s only until you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior- do you receive a born again nature that desires to live for the Lord. As a Christian, you're filled with the Holy Spirit who’s working within you to help mold you more and more into the image of Jesus. Unfortunately, you still have a sin nature but now you also have the Holy Spirit empowering you to say no to sin and to live for God. You're being transformed from glory to glory!
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be explaining that those who sincerely received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, have also received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has come to live within you and has sealed you until the Day of Redemption! The works of the Holy Spirit in someone's life are very evident. You can be addicted to drugs, and yet when the Holy Spirit comes to live within you, you now have the ability to say no to that sin! The only evidence someone has truly been saved is a transformed life by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today, Pastor Mark will be reminding you that Jesus is way more than a good teacher and a powerful prophet, He is indeed the Messiah, God in the flesh. Many religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew who He was, yet they still wanted to hold onto their positions of power and rejected Him! Even today, many know deep down that Jesus is the Messiah, yet they dismiss Him so that they can continue to live in their sins. You can preach the Gospel to the lost, but can’t force someone to choose to receive the Lord as their own personal Savior. Continue to pray for the lost, and don’t give up ministering.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he’ll be reminding you that this life on Earth is temporary along with all the suffering and hardships. In Heaven, you’ll have a new glorified body and you’ll never have to deal with sin and the temptations of the devil again! There are great differences between our earthly bodies and our resurrected bodies. Contrasting our earthly bodies with the splendor of our heavenly (resurrected) bodies, Paul says, “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory.
Jesus cleansed the temple of the money changers and sellers of merchandise because of His disgust at what they had made of God’s house of prayer and His zeal to purify it from the abuse of ungodly men. Today, Pastor Mark will be explaining how the Church should be focused on the eternal, not the temporal! Jesus knew that these money-changers were simply taking advantage of people trying to worship God in the temple, by ripping them off. The Lord desires His house to be a house of prayer, focused on the Word of God- not a place for worldly schemes of man. Church is about worshipping the Lord!
Many people desire miracles from God. They want God to perform miracles to “prove” Himself to them. “If only God would perform a miracle, sign, or wonder, then I would believe!” This idea, though, is contradicted by Scripture. Today, Pastor Mark will be reminding you that Israel saw miracles, yet didn’t believe. A faith based on miracles is not a mature faith. God performed the greatest “God miracle” of all time in coming to earth as the Man Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be saved. God does still perform miracles—many of them simply go unnoticed or are denied.
The word “legalism” does not occur in the Bible. It is a term Christians use to describe a doctrinal position emphasizing a system of rules and regulations for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth. Today, Pastor Mark will be explaining how legalism is the complete opposite of receiving salvation by God's grace. The reason Jesus was extremely angry with the religious leaders of His day, was because they were leading the people astray with legalism. You can only receive salvation through God's grace by faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross! There are no amount of good deeds you can do to earn your salvation.
Marriage is one of the most beautiful experiences in life, and at the same time, one of the most difficult. So many people get married thinking that everything will be perfect, but over time they realize how hard it is to live life with another person. That’s why so many marriages struggle and often sadly end in divorce. In his message today, Pastor Mark teaches you that whether you’re single, divorced, or struggling in your marriage, God wants you to experience His joy in your life. No matter where you’re at today, God has a plan for you and He can give you a joy that’s not dependent on your feelings but rely’s His goodness.
Sadly, the majority of marriages these days end in divorce. Even within the church, the divorce rates are astounding. Couples start off excited about their relationship, but all too often the excitement wears off and things fall apart. The former lovebirds end up becoming disillusioned with one another and give up on trying. In today’s message, Pastor Mark addresses this issue of marriages crumbling to pieces. You see, it doesn’t have to be that way, your marriage doesn’t have to become another sad statistic. God designed marriage, and when you do things His way, then your marriage will not only last but thrive.
There are a lot of different ways we can communicate today; Text messages, email, and both voice and video calls. The thing is, none of them will do you any good if you don’t respond. If you always ignore your messages and calls, then you’ll never find out what people want. The whole point is communication. In his message today, Pastor Mark tells you that Jesus is calling you, and when you answer His call, your life will be changed forever. If you want to hear Him, you have to listen, you can’t just ignore His Word, but you’ve got to open it up and allow Him to speak to you through it. The choice is yours, will you answer?
There are some people, that when you look at them, you think they’ve got “IT.” I don’t know what “IT” is, but that’s what they’ve got. The X factor if you will. Do you want to know a secret? The people who are the most successful are the ones who get up and do something. They didn’t get to where they are, by wishful thinking. In today’s message, Pastor Mark encourages you to get up and do something for Jesus. Do it today! Don’t sit around waiting for some stroke of luck. Wherever you are, Jesus wants you to serve Him right there. He wants you to be His witness to the people that are already all around you. That’s your calling.
Isn’t it mind-boggling that we are Jesus’ inheritance? Out of everything He could’ve asked His Heavenly Father for, Jesus asked to have the Church? He loves us so much that He was willing to come to Earth, give up His heavenly glory, and die a shameful death on the cross so that He could be with us forever! Today, in light of this truth, Pastor Mark asks you how you will respond to Jesus’ love for you. Are you seeking Him because you want something from Him? Or are you seeking Him because you want to be with Him? I pray that you grow in your relationship with Jesus and experience His goodness more and more!
Do you know what the most significant event in history is? It’s not the discovery of America or the invention of the iPhone. It’s Jesus’ death on the cross. As Pastor Mark teaches in today’s message, Jesus’ death had cosmic importance. It changed the course of history and impacted everyone who lived and ever will live. Until Jesus’ death, there was no way to get rid of the problem of sin. Animal sacrifices were only a temporary covering for sins. But Jesus died once and for all sins - past, present, and future sins. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, there’s nothing you have to do to earn salvation. Jesus already did everything for you!
It’s scary sharing the Gospel, isn’t it? Even in America, where we have freedom of speech and religion, things can get very uncomfortable and even downright hostile when we share the truth about Jesus. The Gospel is offensive to people because it goes against their pride, self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to be mentally prepared to share your faith with others. You will be rejected, criticized, and mocked, just like the prophets, the disciples, and even Jesus. But stand firm in your faith, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the boldness to share the message of salvation with those around you!
Have you shared your faith with a non-believer? Have you told someone about what Jesus has done for you? You might think that you don’t have a testimony that’s worth sharing, but you’ve got a message that’s important for others to hear! In today’s message, Pastor Mark tells you that you have a message of eternal hope! Just as John the Baptist was a voice in the wilderness to prepare people to accept Jesus, you are also a voice in the wilderness of America. More and more people are leaving the church or have never even heard the Gospel. Ask God for the courage and opportunity to share Jesus with those who need the saving truth!
Many people believe that they’re good enough to get into Heaven. Their definition of ‘good enough’ usually means that they didn’t commit some horrible crime. That’s a pretty low standard. God’s standard is that you have to be perfect. Breaking even one command means you’re not good enough to go to Heaven. The truth is that you’re far more sinful than you realize. That’s what God’s perfect law shows you. But in today’s message, Pastor Mark shares good news. God demonstrated His grace by sending His Son Jesus to live the perfect life, and die on the cross for your sins so that you can have eternal life! That’s good news indeed!
If you’ve been a Christian for a while or grew up in the church, then the fact that Jesus became a man is no big deal to you. That’s just Christianity 101. But that was actually a very big deal. As Pastor Mark explains in today’s message, God becoming a man was something completely new for God that He had never done before. The Almighty Creator of the Universe stepped down from all of His infinite glory to become a man. Can you imagine what that must have felt like for Him? To feel hungry and tired, to get sick and weak, to feel pain. Jesus became a weak, humble man so that He could save you from your sins and give you eternal life.
We live in a society that upholds diversity, equality, and tolerance as the highest values. And while those are good ideals for a harmonious society, when it comes to your salvation and gaining eternal life, they don’t work. Jesus says that He’s the only way to Heaven. All other religions are false and can’t save you. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that Jesus is the true Light of the world. He’s the only one who will lead you to Heaven. Any religion or teacher that adds or takes away from the Word of God is a false light that leads to darkness. In a world that offers so many different misleading options, be sure to follow the true Light!
In our culture, we love having a lot of different options. Just walk down the aisle of a grocery store. There are a hundred different types of ice cream, soda, and cereals to choose from. People want to take that same consumer mentality to salvation. We’ve heard people say that all roads lead to Heaven. But is that true? In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that when it comes to being saved, there’s only one way to eternal life, and His name is Jesus. Jesus clearly states that no one comes to the Father except through Him. In a world that tells you otherwise, stand firm on this truth. Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life!
Have you ever been in a completely dark place without a bit of even the faintest light? It can be oppressive and quite uncomfortable. Darkness is a scary thing, but in today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach that the darkness can’t stand against the light that comes from God. God has power over darkness. Do you ever feel like the darkness is oppressing you? Just as darkness flees from a room where light comes in, the powers of darkness flee from the light of Jesus. You don’t have to be afraid if you have Jesus in your life. You have His light inside of you. Trust and know that God is with you, and you have nothing to fear.
We all like our stuff, don’t we? We like to accumulate possessions. We hoard and say, “This is mine,” but in actuality, none of it belongs to us. God created everything. It’s all His. In his message today, Pastor Mark will remind you that you don’t own anything. Even the air you breathe belongs to God. That kind of changes your perspective on possessions, doesn’t it? Your house, your car, and your food all belong to God. The life you live is a gift from God that He owns. He has given it all to you to take care of. How are you stewarding God’s possessions He’s given you? Are you using them for God to spread His Kingdom?
Do you believe in the whole Bible, or do you pick and choose which parts you like and believe them? In John 1, it is declared that Jesus is the Word. Jesus brings the mystery and idea of God into tangible form. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that every word in the Bible is a part of Jesus. God’s Word is Him in a form that we can see and understand, and that’s exactly who Jesus is. He came to show you who God is. It’s challenging when you think of the Bible that way, isn’t it? You might have respect for the Bible, but maybe you need to have even more respect when you think of it as Jesus.
Why are there four different gospels? Why do we need four different accounts of the story of Jesus? Our faith hinges on Jesus, and so it’s important to know Him completely, from every angle. In his message today, Pastor Mark will teach that you have the four gospel accounts to get a full 360-degree picture of Jesus In what way do you need Jesus today? Do you need to be reminded that Jesus is your Savior? Do you need to know that He is God? Do you need to remember that He knows exactly what you’re going through because He experienced life just like you did? However you need to see Jesus, you can take in the full picture.
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We don’t understand God’s timing, do we? We want things to happen right now. We don’t want to wait. We often think our prayers are going unanswered, but they’re not. Sometimes the answer is yes, but not yet. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach that faith in God requires patience. Trust God will answer. Don’t give up on sharing your faith with your friends and family. Don’t give up on praying for them. You don’t understand fully how God works, and you don’t know His timing. However, you can know that God is good. He loves you, and when you ask with the right intentions, God will pour out His blessings at the right time.
Kids are great imitators, aren’t they? They love to pretend to be like a character on TV or a movie. We sometimes think they don’t notice what we do and say, but they absolutely do. In his message today, Pastor Mark will warn you to be careful how you act because your kids are watching. They see everything you do. Your kids will know when you say one thing but do another. You need to be living out your faith instead of just telling your kids how to act. They can sniff out hypocrisy. Do you want your kids to follow your example of hypocrisy, or do you want your kids to follow your example of genuine faith and living for Jesus?
Are you ready for the storm that prophecy predicts is coming? In today’s message, Pastor Mark compares the coming trials and tribulations that are to come in the end times to a hurricane. You won’t be around when the hurricane hits, but there are still some serious “headwinds” that will come before the hurricane. Are you ready for the storm? Do you have your spiritual life in order? Study your Bible, and keep your connection with God alive through prayer. Then you will be ready to stand against any trial that may come your way. There’s no need to be afraid. God is more powerful than any storm, so stand firm in the power He gives.
When we think about the storm of affliction that prophecy says will come, it’s easy to be afraid, isn’t it? It’s probably good to take those prophecies seriously enough that we prepare ourselves, but we don’t have to be afraid. God is with us now and God will be with us in every trial that may come our way. In his message today, Pastor Mark will remind you that you can trust in God to take care of you. You may experience the “headwinds” of the storm to come, but you won’t be here for the tribulation. If you believe in God and have put your faith in Jesus, He will take you home to be with Him before the worst comes.
The world will one day be gone. There is coming a time when everyone will be rightly judged and held accountable for their lives. Now, that can seem very terrifying…for those who don’t also know that Jesus will be there! He will be there to intercede for you and everyone who lives and proclaims Him as Lord. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to look at ALL areas of your life and see where you can surrender even more to the Lord! He will challenge you to look at your friends, family, and co-workers and ask yourself who will be coming with you to eternity in Heaven with the Father!!!
One of the differences between people who have proclaimed Jesus as their Lord and Savior and people who haven’t is how they respond in times of stress and times of celebration. People who have publicly declared Jesus as Lord respond in a way that reflects their trust in their trustworthy God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you of the importance of truly following God in all situations and seasons! When you lean on the Lord, He WILL hold you up! He will be dependable in a way no person can be. God will meet your every expectation in ways you cannot even imagine!!!
Our minds are the number one way that the devil tries to attack us. If he can get into our heads, then he can manipulate the one thing that makes us function mentally and physically as human beings. The devil knows that and he plans to use that against us every single chance he gets. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to guard your mind and be aware of the deceiving ways that the devil tries to get at you. It’s so important for you to not only protect your mind but fill it with the good news of Jesus Christ! If your mind is full of Scripture then how can the devil even try to attack that?!?!
Hell was not created for us. We are not meant to go to hell, we’re meant to go to heaven. The tough thing is we have to decide…we have to be the ones who make the choice to choose Jesus or choose the world. Not an easy decision when we live in the world, but it’s a no-brainer when we actually know Jesus Christ! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you who hell was created for and how that benefits Christians as a whole. Hell was meant for the devil and his angels, so they have a place far away from us and our Father forever! So, how will you decide? Will you make that life-changing decision for yourself?
Following God is not a circumstantial decision or even just a one-time decision. You have to choose God over everything else every single second of every single day. That is not an easy task for anyone, especially when we live in a world that is distracting and always encourages the easy way out. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you the gracious results that come from choosing God during times of stress and struggles AND times of peace and celebration. There are so many ways you can personally respond, but running toward God in all scenarios is the best decision you could ever make!
What’s happening right now in society and just our world as a whole, is happening for a reason. We know God has a perfect plan and we know God has perfect timing, so all we need to do is trust God and listen to Him! He has a plan for what we need to be doing as our lives continue to move in these crazy ways. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to trust God’s plan for your life and to trust that the direction society is taking is purposeful. Even if you don’t understand or want to accept what is going on, believe and accept that God has a bigger plan that you just can’t see yet!
God does not ask or expect us to be thankful for everything that happens to us, because He knows this world is difficult and demanding. BUT!... God does ask and expect us to be thankful for what those difficult situations can and will teach us! God uses the bad for good, that’s what separates believers from non-believers. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you how gratitude can change those challenging days! There is no room for complaining or stressing when you are thankful for the opportunity to be taught more patience, kindness, love, or whatever it may be for you. God has a special purpose for YOUR tough situations!
There are going to be people who walk away from the Lord. They will choose the world over God. The world is so distracting and manipulative, and it’s only going to get worse as time goes on and we get closer to Jesus’ second coming. But, as Christians, we know that and we can prepare our hearts and minds to focus on God! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to keep your own fire and passion for Jesus Christ burning bright! Don’t let the world and its opinions and limited pleasures distract you or soften your fire for Jesus! Your passion for spreading the Gospel should only grow deeper every single day!
Do you need hope today? Maybe you’ve been struggling for so long, and you don’t see an end in sight. Maybe you’re on the verge of just giving up. You need more than just wishful thinking. You need true hope that’s certain and unshakeable. The good news is, if you’ve given your life to Jesus, this kind of hope is yours! Today, Pastor Mark encourages you that God has good plans for you, plans to give you hope and a future. It may not happen immediately, but God will work all things for your good. He’s already given you His most precious gift, His Son Jesus Christ, to die for your sins, and He’ll be faithful to give you every other good thing!
Pastor, president, CEO. Leadership doesn’t mean just having a title. Good leaders embody leadership qualities that people recognize. Leadership is part of who they are, regardless of the title that they have. In the church, God raises up leaders to serve, lead, and minister to the people so that they can be equipped to do God’s work. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that leaders in the church can be recognized as those who are already ministering to the people, regardless of their title or position. Has God given you leadership qualities? Then serve those in your church. Has God placed godly leaders in your church? Then pray for and submit to them.
People look forward to the day they can retire. They try to make as much money as they can so that they can retire early. Instead of working, they want to travel, spend time with family, and take up new hobbies. Those are all good things. But this concept of early retirement has unfortunately affected many Christians. People look forward to the day they can retire. They try to make as much money as they can so that they can retire early. Instead of working, they want to travel, spend time with family, and take up new hobbies. Those are all good things. But this concept of early retirement has unfortunately affected many Christians.
Many people have a hard time reconciling God’s judgment with His love. They think that those two things are mutually exclusive. But God judges because He loves. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that God judges because He loves. God cannot be loving if He doesn’t deal with all the evil, injustice, and corruption. Even in judgment, God gives people a chance to repent and be saved. His purpose in judgment is to always bring people to Him. For some people, that’s the only way that they’ll repent and turn to God. If you’ve been resisting God, I pray that you’ll turn to Him today. God loves you and wants you to experience the joy of His salvation!
One of the fundamental beliefs of Christians is that Jesus will return. The way things are going in the world, it seems like Jesus will return very soon. How does that truth impact the way you’re living right now? Does that create a sense of urgency? Are you reflecting God’s love and truth to those around you? In today’s message, Pastor Mark encourages you to always be ready for Jesus’ return. You don’t know when He will come back. It could happen at any moment. If Jesus returned today, how would He find you? I pray that you and I will be faithful and blameless as we wait expectantly for Jesus to return!
Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean that your life will be free from problems. You might even experience more suffering when you become a Christian. People may mock and insult you. Job opportunities may be cut off. Satan may cause circumstances to work against you. But God will always be for you! Today, Pastor Mark teaches that while you will experience trials and tribulations in life, as a Christian, you will never experience the wrath of God. God will remove believers and bring them to Heaven before He pours out His wrath and final judgment on those who have rejected Him. Praise God for His grace and mercy!
This world is filled with hurt, sorrow, and brokenness. As you look at what’s going on around you and in your own life, you realize you need hope for a better future. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you that the only unshakeable and everlasting hope is in Jesus Christ and His eventual return. Jesus promised His followers that He would return to bring them home and make everything right. When He does, there will be no more sin, pain, sickness, and death. You will have infinite joy as you live in eternal fellowship with Jesus and other believers. If you need that kind of everlasting hope, come to Jesus today!
Our culture encourages us to indulge in our sexual desires and lustful passions. We’re told to gratify ourselves with whomever we want, and whenever we want. But as Christians, we’re called to a higher standard when it comes to sex. God created sex, and He designed sex to be between a man and a woman in marriage. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that because God set the boundaries for sex, you need to adhere to those boundaries. Use wisdom to create strong boundaries for yourself so that you’re not put into places and situations that will lead you into temptation. You can be a light to the world by honoring God with your body.
Maybe you can relate to this. You’ve been stuck in a cycle of sin, whether it’s sexual immorality or drug addiction, and you feel like there’s no way out. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you that Jesus can set you free and keep you free. It’s through His supernatural power that you can break the chains of sin. Pastor Mark teaches that it’s not about relying on your own strength or willpower. You don’t have the power to set yourself free. It’s only by the power of the Holy Spirit that you can have true freedom in Jesus Christ. If you need this kind of power to set you free from the bondage of sin, come to Jesus today!
What does it mean to be sanctified? The process of sanctification comes when you continue to faithfully follow the Lord’s will in your life. Once you surrender your life to Jesus, He put His Holy Spirit within you to do His will. The more you walk with Jesus and abide with Him, day by day He transforms you. Pastor Mark explains in today’s message that every day as a follower of Jesus, the Lord is working to transform you more into His likeness. This is what sanctification is, to gradually become more like Christ. The goal is to each day ask yourself how you can shine more like Jesus. And to serve His Kingdom and will for your life.
Are you relying upon your own strength to carry out the will of the Lord? In today’s message, Pastor Mark urges you to put down the banner of self-reliance and pick up the banner of God-reliance. You can’t even come close to fulfilling the Father’s will on your own merit and effort. You need His help to accomplish this. Pastor Mark teaches you that the Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity who empowers you to model after Jesus. He gives you gifts that help you to be more like Him. He gives you instruction, guidance, and strength. Ask the Lord for more of the Holy Spirit in your life. Tune into what His leading is and wait upon Him.
Make the decision today to follow the King of kings! Pastor Mark shares in today’s message the invitation to know Jesus. To receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and the inheritance that He offers, simply come to Him by faith. Believe in who He is and confess with your mouth that He is Lord and you will be saved. Pastor Mark explains, that God desires no one to perish but for all to receive eternal life through His Son, Jesus. Today is the day for salvation. Enter into a family and the Kingdom of God when your time on Earth ends. Know today where you will spend eternity. Choose to surrender your life to Christ and live abundantly in Him.
When we go through hard times, we can begin to wonder if we will ever survive it. However, as Pastor Mark explains through today’s message, we do! God gives us the strength, resources, and determination to make it. He comforts us, so we too will be able to comfort others in their times of need. He wants us to carry the torch. Just as one flame can light another, God wants us to pour into others. Pastor Mark encourages you to see how you can help to strengthen others in their faith journey. What encouragement has God given to you that you could extend to others? Iron sharpens iron, and that’s what the disciples of Jesus do for one another.
God can and will use any hardship you go through if you’ll let Him! As you learn in today’s message from Pastor Mark, he shares with you that difficulties and hardships come with living in this world. You’re going to experience them. But know that no matter the hardships you face, Jesus is with you through every single one. Pastor Mark encourages you to see in what ways you can relate to Jesus through your season of difficulty. What has Jesus gone through that might be similar to your own experience? Once you reflect on this, you’ll see that you have a friendly companion who has promised to be with you through it all. Trust and follow Him.
A life with Christ is a life that dies daily to Christ! In today’s message from Pastor Mark, he explains to you the reality that is the faith journey with Jesus. Sometimes people can think that once you surrender your life to the Lord everything will be blissful and blessed. There are blessings, but there’s also hardship. Pastor Mark desires for you to understand that when Scripture says “No servant is greater than its Master” it’s talking about the disciples of Jesus. Jesus endured many trials and so will you as His disciple. The Bible says “that in this world you will be trials but to take heart because Jesus has overcome the world!”
You’ll never fully know until you meet with the Lord, the impact you had while on this Earth. As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he shares with you the importance of investing and pouring into other’s lives. Even the things you don’t remember or feel are insignificant, God uses them for His glory. Pastor Mark urges you to be led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Commune every day with the Lord in prayer and watch what He does in your life. He will use you to speak encouragement to others and provide comfort when they’re in need. God can use even the smallest of circumstances to provide extraordinary transformation.
The enemy has work and plans for destruction. But the Lord has plans for opportunity and restoration! Pastor Mark encourages you to turn your focus toward the Lord in today's message. What is He highlighting to you each day about ways you can partner with Him? Seek Him daily in His Word, through prayer and communion. It’s important to notice all the opportunities God gives you to speak into another person’s life. How can you show the Lord’s love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness? For some people, you are the only Bible they will ever read. Let them see Hope in you! Shine the light of Christ out brightly so others may come to Him!
The Bible was written by God. Hands down, no questions about it. It is SO incredibly clear and has been proven by History and science that what the Bible says is true! Purely because everything that has been prophesied has come true…it has happened exactly as God said it would happen! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you that as a Christian, there should be NO doubt in your mind that the Bible is true and that God wrote it! You can clearly read about how God worked wonders in countless people’s lives and then see God doing the exact same thing in your own life!
The enemy of your soul is constantly trying to distract you and lead you as far away from God as he can. Thankfully, the devil also knows the power that lives inside of you. If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, then the same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives inside of you! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be aware of the devil's doings but also be aware of God’s power! God has made you just as you specifically for a purpose…His purpose! You were made to look and act like Jesus, now all you have to do is trust Him to lead you and your life will flourish like no other!
Going where God calls, and doing what God says, and being who God wants us to be is hard. It’s not easy to do the right thing ten times out of ten. Especially while fighting our human nature. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that when you truly love God, obeying Him and His commands will come easy! When you love the Lord and recognize Him as the Lord in your life, obedience comes naturally! Because you obviously want to please Him. And when you please Him and follow His commands your life will be SO much more fruitful! With God, your life can and will flourish in ways you cannot even imagine!
A lot of times in life, all we care about is our rights and what we can get or have. The Bible shows us that that is not the Christian way. God’s way is giving over receiving and serving over being served every single time. We’re called to put others before ourselves just as we saw Jesus do! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will invite you to start today by putting others before yourself! Learn to sacrifice your own comfort and time to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in your own job, family, church, and friend groups! To be a Christian means to serve others well and with a humble heart!
Today, Pastor Mark will be reminding you that the enemy is very active in this world, and unfortunately very active in the church. Sadly, many have been burned by others in the church and they chose to forsake the fellowship of the brethren. This is very dangerous because you're robbing yourself of accountability and fellowship. The devil wants to kill, steal, and destroy, this is why it’s extremely important to go to church. The enemy roams about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The easiest targets for lions are those who are the weak of the herd that are straggling behind. Stay in Church, and remain in prayer and in His Word.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Thessalonians, he’ll be explaining the difference between loving the idea of Jesus and having an intimate relationship with Him. It’s not enough to recognize who Jesus is and like His character, you must choose to make Him your Lord and Savior. Many people love the teaching of Jesus, and many love the positive impact Jesus has on people's lives, but they have not entered into that intimate relationship with Him. Jesus said many will come to Him on that Day and say “Lord, Lord”- and He will turn to them and say “Depart from Me, I never knew you”.
Today, Pastor Mark will be challenging you to be bold for the Lord, because what you're proclaiming to the world is the truth, and it’s the only truth that can set humanity free. After all, the Bible says the righteous are as bold as lions! Don’t allow the enemy to cause you to fear preaching the Gospel to the lost. Always remember, that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you. It’s not you who should live in fear for preaching the truth, it’s the enemies of God who should fear dying without having their sins forgiven. When you’re heart becomes broken for the lost, it becomes easier to evangelize.
Do you ever find yourself waiting? Perhaps you’ve had to sit around for an oil change. What about at the doctor’s office? Maybe you sent an important email that left you anticipating a response. Waiting is a natural part of life, and you will find yourself waiting for something daily. What does biblical waiting look like? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains what it means to be waiting on the Lord, and waiting for Jesus’s second coming. You will learn what it means to have patience and that you should seek the Lord in those times of waiting.
John 3:16 is one of the most quoted and loved verses in the bible. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him…” …Whoever. That means your neighbor, prisoners, the opposing political party, and even you. Whoever believes in Him will be saved. Jesus set the foundation for today’s message when He died on the cross. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that God will accept anyone who accepts His Son, regardless of their past mistakes. When you follow Jesus, you become a new creation. If you haven’t made that decision today, what are you waiting for?
Do you have any favorite clothing or food brands? If so, the company likely used some celebrity to showcase why their product is great. For example, “Our sports drink gives you the energy to shoot consistent 3-pointers. Just ask Michael Jordan.” Having a good example helps drive sales for companies. Today, Pastor Mark will teach that you ought to be a good example for Christ. Preaching the Gospel is one thing, but living it out makes it that much more appealing to others. The world is watching your actions to see if they line up with your beliefs. Will they find a true believer? Or will they just find empty words?
The world is enamored with this idea of rebuilding from the rubble. Think about it. You’ve likely heard a song with the lyric, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” You’ve likely seen a movie where the main character loses everything but comes back stronger than before. The world is fascinated by endurance. In today’s message, Pastor Mark encourages you to stay diligent, stay strong, and stay faithful to Christ amid hardships and persecution. Your ability to rebuild from the rubble is a powerful testimony to unbelievers in the world because they are watching to see if your faith is as strong as you claim it is.
The study of cultures is integral to a successful mission trip. Missionaries must be aware of the stumbling blocks within a culture. For instance, a missionary to an Asian culture should expect to take their shoes off when visiting someone’s home, even if they are used to tracking mud through their own house. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach you the importance of worshipping God without causing others to stumble. Taking your shoes off in someone’s home isn’t a salvation issue, but doing so shows that you care about the person you are ministering to. How else can you minister to others by embracing their culture?
Have you ever ridden on a train? If so, you know how powerful they are. Around 1 billion people each day use a train. They are crucial to global economies and have a major impact on our history. Without the invention of the coal-powered engines used in trains throughout history, cars and planes would not exist. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that your life is like a train. The Holy Spirit is the fuel. Do you apply the Holy Spirit to your life, and allow His power to move you to do miraculous things? Or do you find yourself sitting stationary at the train depot? Let the Holy Spirit work in you today, and see what He has in store for you.
What is election? An easy example happens every four years. Election is when someone is chosen, right? In the Christian faith, God has elected His believers – that is, they’ve been chosen to spend eternity with Him. This concept can cause a lot of tension and confusion, but today, Pastor Mark will walk you through it. As you listen, Pastor Mark will teach that election is evidenced by the fruits of the spirit – that is, the actions of those who have been elected will look like Jesus. How can you become elected? Simple! Just enter the race. If you let Him, God will vote for you. He wants to be with you and wants your soul to flourish.
People often say that they will get into heaven based on their good deeds. “I’m a nice person.” “I give to the poor.” “I volunteer at a food bank.” Works are great, but there’s more to getting to heaven than just simply being a good person and volunteering some of your time and energy. It takes faith. Faith and works go hand in hand, and today, Pastor Mark will teach you that it is a balancing act. You need both. Without faith, works are just empty humanitarian acts without any relationship with the father. Without works, you’re not following all of Jesus’s teachings. When you follow Jesus, your faith will generate good works.
Unfortunately, to many non-believers, Christians have earned the reputation of judgmental, condemning, holier-than-thou hypocrites. While the Church’s goal should be to mirror Christ, a few zealous outliers pop up occasionally. Non-believers have shaped their few over thousands of years of legalistic believers. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach that Jesus didn’t come to Earth to condemn the world. He came to save the world. As you venture out into your daily goings, be a reminder of God’s love for humanity, and that Jesus died so that all who turn to Him will be saved from Hell. Today, be the light and love of Christ.
What is power? Many people equate power to success. Many equate power to having a thick skin. If you turn to world politics, many equate power to the strength of their dollar and how many soldiers they have readily trained and available. However, the Holy Spirit can give you true power… the ability to overcome sin. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach you that the power of the Holy Spirit can be yours simply by inviting Him into your heart and asking for that power. Jesus died so that you could live, so rely on the chain-breaking power of the Holy Spirit to keep you from the death of sin, and in the light of God.
Have you ever been sitting in the auto shop, dentist, or doctor’s office, and they have a courtroom drama playing in the waiting area? As ridiculous as the cases may seem, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in seeing how cases play out. Humans have a natural desire to see justice given where justice is due. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach that your response when you aren’t able to get justice will speak volumes about your character, and about your relationship with Christ. Your ability to turn your cheek and walk an extra mile can be the best testimony to an unbeliever that they need to hear.
It seems like everyone wants to be a rebel today. When it comes to their jobs, people want to have their own ways of doing things and be original. When it comes to politics, everyone believes they are right. Often, this can lead to disregarding or badmouthing authority. Today, Pastor Mark challenges this approach. In today’s message, you will be challenged to respect and follow those who have been placed in positions of authority over you. Now, don’t act against God’s Word, but when you can keep the peace by respecting authority, the world will notice. They will notice your commitment to the Lord and what the love of Christ looks like.
What are you zealous for? There are many things you could be zealous for. Your favorite sports team. Your special someone. Your kids. Your car. Your house. Your job. Your country… I’m sure there’s something that you feel passionate about. Something that gets your blood pumping and feet moving. In his message today, Pastor Mark tells you that as a Christian, you should be zealous for good works. Not because good works save you, but because God created you for them and Jesus saved you so that you could walk in them. Are you zealous for good works? Are you eager and ready to do those things that God’s called you to do?
If you won the lottery, that would be pretty exciting, but when do you really get to experience the benefits from it? When you go in and cash that ticket. If you’ve got the winning numbers, but you never cash it in, then what good will it do you? You’ve got to claim your prize. In today’s message, Pastor Mark shows you that grace only benefits you when you receive it. Simply believing that God exists isn’t enough, you’ve got to put your trust in Jesus Christ if you want to experience His grace. Have you gone beyond just believing, to actually receiving Jesus as Lord?
Are you a good employee? Do you do your job well, or do you do just enough to get by? Some folks have the attitude that they’re only going to do what they get paid for and not a lick more. In fact, quite often they’re looking for a way to do less. If nobody’s looking, they’re happy to sit and do nothing - and still collect a paycheck. In his message today, Pastor Mark shows you that the Bible commands you to be a good worker. Even if you’re employer is wrong, you should still strive for excellence as unto the Lord. It’s not just in what you do, but it’s also in how you do it. Your work should always represent Christ to the world well.
Children are always learning. Not just when they’re in School, but every moment of every day. And it’s not just their teachers they learn from, but it’s everyone in their lives. So, where are they spending most of their time? Who’s having the biggest influence on their character? In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you that as a Christian, your life should be an example for others to learn from. Do you have kids? Nieces, nephews - Grandkids? What are they learning from you? What kind of impact do you have on their life? Will they learn to be more Christ-like from you?
How does a Godly couple parent their children together? Well, they do so in a way that is collaborative, focusing on each other’s roles while having room and grace for each other to help out as needed. Raising a family is a collaborative process, it is so much easier when the parents do so as a team. Pastor Mark takes the time today to lay out the ways that Godly women should behave, both as individuals and as wives and mothers in their families. The role of a mother is sacred and vital to the growth of a strong family, the impact a good mother has on her family is incalculable, but it is still only part of the puzzle.
Perhaps the greatest act of humility in the history of Creation was when Jesus humbled Himself below the Father to come to Earth as the Savior of the world. He gave up His position next to the Father but also retained all of His power as part of the Trinity. Scripture says that Jesus is fully human and fully God. Pastor Mark teaches today that just as Jesus humbled Himself and fulfilled the will of God on Earth, Christian men and women can do the same. By choosing His will for our lives, and doing what He called us to do, we bring glory to God. Do you want to live your life to please yourself, or do you want to glorify Him?
Why is it so important for Christians to be sober-minded? God made alcohol, didn’t He? Wouldn’t he want us to have a little fun? Well, your mind is an important tool, and God doesn’t want you to give yourself over to things that can alter your thinking and your judgment. Drinking can greatly affect both of those. Pastor Mark teaches today that you should treat your body like a temple of the Holy Spirit, and that treatment begins with your mind. Part of being sober-minded means that you are always ready to do the work of ministry when duty calls. It’s not a nine-to-five kind of job, it’s a lifelong and never-ending commission.
Unfortunately, Christian growth isn’t something you can just do on autopilot. You can’t just hear wise teaching and then grow automatically. You have to take those words you have heard, hold them close to your heart, and actively apply them to your life. You have to put in an effort to grow closer to God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark is encouraging the men listening to take action on the words that he is speaking! Even the most mature of Christians should still have a desire to learn more about God and grow a deeper relationship with Him. Growth never stops, even after our physical bodies pass away.
Have you ever picked lemons from an apple tree? If you have, someone’s probably playing a trick on you. A tree can only bear one kind of fruit! The same goes for Christians, you can tell what kind of person they are by the fruit that their life produces. Do you produce good fruit, or do you produce rotten fruit? Pastor Mark warns you in today’s message to be a good steward of the Gospel. You will be judged in the last days for the fruit that you left behind during your time on Earth. Those who are prudent and wise with their time and resources will leave good fruit, while those who are wasteful and lazy will bear rotten fruit.
Be very careful when you challenge the authority of God’s Word in front of your fellow believers. The Word is the most important basis of Christian faith, and the burden of accountability on Christian leaders is very high. Jesus did not take Peter’s doubtful words lightly, and He won’t take yours lightly, either. Pastor Mark isn’t trying to scare you away from leadership in today’s message. In fact, he is actually giving a message of encouragement! Jesus’ rebuke isn’t a condemnation, instead, it is a strong course correction. If God rebukes you for your actions, you’re being given a chance to make them right again!
Nowhere in Scripture does it say that living faithfully to God will lead to a better life on Earth. In fact, we see the opposite come true in Scripture. The path of righteousness is difficult to follow. You face greater challenges because of your pursuit of Christ’s righteousness. But your reward isn’t on Earth, it’s in Heaven. In today’s message, Pastor Mark warns you to stay away from leaders who teach the “health and wealth” Gospel. They often tie your status in God’s kingdom to how much you are giving to their ministry, and they use their positions of leadership to gain personal wealth. Their teachings aren’t based in God’s Word.
Jesus says in Luke’s Gospel, “To whom much was given, of him much will be required.” If you are in a position of leadership, not only do you have the responsibility to care for your flock, but you also need to live your life as an example of Christian living. You should be the standard for people to live up to. Pastor Mark doesn’t take leadership lightly! In today’s message, he continues to explain the requirements of godly Christian leaders. People are always watching your behavior as a Christian, do you want to be the one who leads someone astray because of your loose following of Jesus’ commandments?
What’s the worst lie someone has said about you? It was probably something so ridiculous that no one actually believed it to be true. Well, if you are in ministry, you are often subject to accusations. And if you are a wise leader and of good character, those accusations will slide off your back harmlessly. Pastor Mark continues his message today on the requirements for healthy Christian leadership. A good leader shouldn’t just have a good character, they should be a shining example of Godliness to everyone around them. They should be so holy that the idea of them committing wrongdoing seems ridiculous.
Have you ever tried to let a toddler drive a car? Without the proper training to learn the complexities of driving, a dangerous accident is almost guaranteed to occur. Well, a church of any size without wise, Godly leadership in place is similarly headed for disaster. People will undoubtedly be hurt in the crash. Pastor Mark reminds you today that good leadership is vital for the local church body. Your leaders need to be committed to the Word, have wise counsel in their lives, and trust God with everything they have, especially the churches they lead. Anyone who doesn’t meet those criteria is unfit to lead God’s people.
Despite our best intentions, we humans are never going to be able to keep 100% of our promises. There are almost always external factors that can cause us to not be able to fulfill a promise. But God exists outside of time and space, He will keep His promises to the letter. He won’t let you down. Pastor Mark teaches you today that God’s promise of salvation isn’t just a promise you can vaguely trust in. You can literally bet your life on it. Lying isn’t part of God’s character, He is always truthful and honest. So when He tells you that you are saved and forgiven, you can be certain that you are saved and forgiven.
Is there someone in your life who is just completely against God, that doesn’t want anything to do with Him? As much as it may annoy you to be around them, you can’t help but feel sorry for how that hatred for God hurts them, you want them to come to Jesus! Knowing Him is the key to complete life transformation. In today’s message, Pastor Mark introduces you to the book of Titus, as well as the time that Paul and Titus spent in Crete. The people of Crete were known for being rebellious and against God, but Paul and Titus had sympathy for them and ministered to them just as they would have ministered to their own people.
Sin separates us from God. Every type and flavor of sin – not just the ones we don’t struggle with. He designed us in His image and when we choose to disfigure that image by serving ourselves and allowing wicked thoughts and actions in our lives, we are actively rejecting Him and trying to become gods. We live in a world pervaded with wickedness, but it’s nothing new. Sin has been wreaking havoc since it first entered the hearts of Adam and Eve. As Pastor Mark will remind us in today’s message, sin is a dealbreaker for every single human. The only way to fix it and become right with God is through Christ.
It’s easy to praise God after winning a victory. Before and during the battle, our prayers often sound something like, “God if you help us win, we’ll dedicate ourselves to serving you…” Then, in the times we experience defeat, we question Him and how He can really be good while wicked forces prevail. As followers of Jesus, faith in Him is the bedrock we build our lives on. We can look back at the ways He’s helped us and those experiences encourage our faith, but ultimately, as Pastor Mark will remind us today, faith means that we can praise God and trust in Him before we experience victory, and even in the midst of defeat.
Have you ever tried to wake up a deep sleeper? You try a gentle voice or nudge, and as you increase the volume, you find that the only thing that works is a shocking level of noise or even shaking the person till they come to. In a spiritual sense, much of the world around us is in a deep slumber, and if needed, God will use shock to get people’s attention. As Pastor Mark will challenge us in today’s message, we need to be diligently spreading the Gospel as Christ’s return approaches. Start with the soft, gentle nudges, but if it means the difference between Heaven or Hell for the lost, we can’t be afraid to get loud.
We all have a choice to make in this life…whether we’re going to fully surrender our lives to God, to do what He wants, or are we going to do what we want, when we want to do it. All we have to do a look at the Scriptures and we can clearly see that “doing whatever we want” hasn’t worked out for people so far. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to believe in the blood of Jesus Christ AND THEN allow Him to do wonders in and through your life! When you fully surrender, you will experience peace and joy like nothing you could ever imagine! When God uses us for His will, it is truly a beautiful thing!
Maybe you can identify with this story. Maybe you feel like a Sampson, stuck in a loop of painful never-ending sin. unfortunately…and fortunately (depending on how you look at it) God graciously won’t allow you to continue living in that sin forever! He will deliver you just like He delivered Sampson! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you just like in the life of Sampson, God didn’t let him live in sin forever, He also won’t let YOU live in your sin forever! The Lord did rescue him from that unsatisfying life, but it did have to take some awful situations to get Sampson back to a place fully devoted to God.
Just like a potter molds clay over and over into a beautiful vase, so does our heavenly Father mold us over periods of difficult times to become beautiful Christians! We have to go through hardships, we have to go through a literal fire to become all we’re meant to be by God’s eyes. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that no matter what choices you have made through those difficult times, there are still opportunities to make better ones, and allow the Lord to turn your life around for the better! No matter how far you are from the Lord, He will still find you and accept you with love!
It’s kinda hard to even put into words how God has used people in mighty ways. The Bible has SO many good stories of people accomplishing things that were literally impossible! It’s incredible what we can do by the power of God working in and through our lives even as just people! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that it is GOD that is working through you…it is not just you. God doesn’t need you to accomplish anything for His kingdom, YOU need Him! So as you see Him moving in your life and working wonders, remind yourself to give Him ALL the glory that is rightfully His!
If we hang around the vineyards or in more current words, our places of temptations, then guess what?...we will be tempted! We see in the Bible that even the physically strongest person, could be tempted and fall into a sin that ended up wrecking his life…BEFORE God intervened and turned it all around for the better! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to put up some boundaries and act! Sometimes the world will create a social norm that encourages us to slip up and forget about what truly matters. So, Actively put things in place so you can’t physically slip up and make a decision that you will ultimately regret.
We can see here in this story about Samson and we can see it painted all over the rest of the Scriptures, that the Lord uses trying and difficult situations to help us grow into new and better people! The Lord helps us cultivate lives full of endurance in the holy name and power of Jesus Christ! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will point out that we can also see how God uses times of stress, grief, and even just some confusion to help our limited minds understand His unlimited power that He generously gives throughout our lives! He loves us and knows what’s best, and therefore sends exactly what we need!
Have you ever been turned down or rejected by a person or employer solely based on your past? Maybe you’ve been judged because of your family lineage. Too many times people will judge others on the family they were born into, or even where they grew up. It’s up to you to not let that discourage you. As Pastor Mark explains in today’s message, God can and will use anyone regardless of their background. Many times God uses the people you would least expect to do the biggest things. The only thing you really need to be used by God is a willingness to follow Him and act according to His calling.
When things get tough in your life, where do you go? Do you go off to a place alone, or do you have a friend you can turn to? Too many people don’t think they have anyone to turn to and they lean on substances or bad habits which, ultimately, only make things worse. You have to be careful who or what you turn to in dark times. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how the first person or place you run to is your stronghold or place of security in your life. It is ok to seek counsel from people, but God wants you to turn to Him in your real times of need. Anything else can only offer a false sense of security, only God provides real guidance.
Have you ever known someone who was part of a group, maybe you worked with them, and they refused to follow rules or guidelines? The only thing that would have done is make the work harder or bring about more problems than you would have already faced. Have you ever been that person who wouldn’t follow rules? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains that if you choose to not follow God, or choose to walk away from Him, God will cause you to have problems. Following God will bring about trouble and problems, but not following God will cause additional problems that you wouldn’t otherwise have to face.
Do you remember a time when someone taught you something new and they finally had to let you go on your own? For many people that can be a very difficult and scary time, some even give up and never learn to move forward on their own. You don’t need someone to hold your hand when you walk, but there was a time when you did. In today’s message, Pastor Mark challenges you to walk on your own when it comes to following Jesus. In the same way, no one needs to hold your hand so you can walk across the room, you shouldn’t need someone to hold your hand to walk in the ways of the Lord. Make sure you are following Christ even when no one is around.
How did you respond the last time someone came to you and they were angry about something you did? If you’re like most people you probably responded with an equal or greater amount of anger, or maybe you used sarcasm instead of anger, that more than likely didn’t provide the best outcome. In today’s message, Pastor Mark challenges you to give a gentle answer when someone questions you aggressively. You have to be sure you aren’t lying, or just saying something the other person wants to hear. You must genuinely believe what you are saying or it will not work and may make things worse.
Have you ever been invited to participate in a project, and you knew you weren’t needed? In most of those cases, you probably declined to be a part. But what if the project had a massive positive impact on your community? Would that make you more likely to agree to help, or would it not matter? In today’s message, Pastor Mark suggests that God has invited you to be a part of His overall plan. Obviously, He doesn’t need you to complete His plan, but He is inviting you to be a part of something greater, to make a huge positive impact on the world around you… what will your answer be to His call?
Have you ever been asked to do something that scared you? Did the person that asked you to do it stick around and help? Odds are you were asked to do the scary thing so the other person could walk away. Too many times people in authority ask others to do things they themselves aren’t willing to do. In today’s message, Pastor Mark assures you that if God calls you to do something that scares you, He will be there to protect you. It may not be immediately obvious that He is protecting you, that is why you have to trust Him. God will not leave you alone to take on a challenge, but He will let you learn a lesson from it.
Have you ever known someone who always complained about being miserable and that no one would spend time with them? Are you miserable because you feel left out or alone? You may not even know what is causing you to be miserable. Maybe you need to take some time and look at what you’re doing that may be causing your misery. Many Christians feel like God has abandoned them and stopped blessing their life. In today’s message, Pastor Mark challenges you to evaluate your relationship with God. Are you standing by waiting for Him to come to you, or are you seeking God out? You cannot expect to have a relationship with God without spending time with Him.
When you witness two people or groups having a disagreement, do you stand up for one of the sides? There are many times people don’t stand up in the name of not wanting to get involved, or because they don’t want either side to be mad at them. How about when it’s a topic you care about, do you stand up then? Too many times Christians stand on the sidelines of a moral argument and don’t stand up for Biblical truth. It’s usually because they don’t want to ruffle any feathers. Well in today’s message, Pastor Mark warns if you don’t stand up for the battle of the Lord you may not upset anyone but you will be cursed.
Have you ever started cleaning something and realized it was much dirtier than it looked? Most of the time you probably make sure things are clean on the outside that because that is the part that is easily seen. Then when you take the time to dig into the unseen areas, you realize there was much more dirt below the surface. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how the Bible is like God’s sword that cleans you from the inside. On the surface you may appear to be clean, however as you continue to read the Bible and begin to let God’s sword dig deep into the unseen areas of your life, you realize how much you needed it.
Do you know someone who inherited money, but had to work for it a little at a time? Many people’s parents will make sure they have what they need without having to actually do anything. This teaches people to expect others to give them things and do things for them, they never learn to survive on their own. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how God doesn’t give you everything you need all at once. He will give you a little at a time as you grow into it. God will also allow you to experience difficult things spiritually so that you learn how to handle them. God wants you to learn how to survive the battle for your spirit.
Have you ever known someone who made a bad decision, and then complained when the outcome wasn’t positive? Maybe you’ve been that person, maybe you’ve done something that you knew wouldn’t work out well and then complained about it. You’ve probably heard, “You’ve made your bed, now lay in it” from those around you. If you’ve ever complained about the results of your own decisions, you aren’t alone, Christians in Biblical times complained about the consequences of their actions too. Today Pastor Mark reminds you that God will send someone to help you, you just need to listen to Him!
Was there ever a time when you were trying to do something but initially thought you couldn’t? Maybe there was a time someone did the hard thing for you, and now you are facing the same thing again and don’t know how to handle it. Even if you fail the first time it is better to keep trying and learning. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how God will help you win the battles in your life. Sometimes He will let you battle it out before He gives you the victory so you will learn how to fight the spiritual battles that come your way. At first, you may not win but you have to keep battling it out and God will give you the victory!
Have you ever learned something new that you were so excited about that you committed to it and even spent money on it? Many times when people first start following Christ, for example, they are full of excitement and enthusiasm. Eventually, the newness wears off and they realize it's a lot tougher than they thought. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how you are called to carry God’s word to the people through more than excitement. You are to do it God’s way. He also cautions that while it’s good to remember what God has done in the past, you can’t rely on that to carry His word today, you have to bring a fresh perspective.
Are you a leader or a follower? You may think you are a leader and you don’t follow anyone, but whether you admit it or not, you are following someone. There is more than likely someone you look up to or want to be like in some way, that’s the person you are following. The best thing you can do is admit it to yourself. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how if you aren’t serving God, you will serve something else. The Bible says everyone knows there is a God, so if you don’t follow and serve God, then who or what are you following? If you don’t make up your mind, the enemy will make it up for you.
How close are you with your friend group? Would you consider yourself part of the inner circle, or are you just on the edge of the circle? Maybe you are just on the edge so you can still be considered part of the group but you aren’t so committed that you have to be vulnerable with them. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how those Christians on the outskirts of Christianity may still be a part of the family and still be saved, but they are also usually the first ones to fall when the enemy attacks. Being on the edge may seem like it allows freedom, but it leaves you susceptible to the enemy’s attacks.
Do you have a special talent that most other people don’t have? Maybe you know someone with a talent that you wish you had. You may become jealous of the talents or financial standing of another person. You may even try to do what they are doing even though you know you don’t have the required talent or finances. Today Pastor Mark urges you to find contentment in the talents and gifts that God has given you, and not try to do or be something you see someone else doing or being. If you aren’t careful you may fall into jealousy and envy of the talents of others and forget all that God has given you and not others.
Have you ever been to someone’s house, and it was so clean that you felt guilty even sitting on their couch? It’s hard to imagine that someone can actually live somewhere and keep it that clean. Most likely if you showed up unannounced you may find a different scene. Living life is messy and the only way to avoid that is to hide away from it all. As Pastor Mark will challenge us in today’s message, we’re called into action as believers. We’ve been given an incredible gift, and with it, a mission to share that gift with the world around us. We need to step out boldly into this messy world and get to work.
What a loving and generous God we have! In our sinful rebellion, all we deserved was death and separation from His perfect righteousness. Yet He not only offers us forgiveness and salvation from eternal punishment, but He also offers us life and intimacy with Him in His perfect, eternal Kingdom. As Pastor Mark will illustrate in today’s message, God looks at us through the eyes of a Father. We’re not just little ants busying ourselves about this small world. He exists all around us and in us and is intimately aware of our heartaches and dreams and He blesses us with peace and joy this world can never provide.
Our God is a God of peace and justice. As humans, He’s endowed us with a strong desire for these things in our own lives and the world as a whole. Yet, as we read the Bible, it seems that God is also a God of war. How do these characteristics exist together? War is a byproduct of the sin of man. It wasn’t a part of the perfect design God had for Earth. Pastor Mark will expound on this in today’s message, but God won’t just sit by while people abuse and oppress others. He has an unfathomable amount of patience and grace, so He doesn’t work on the timeline we’d expect, but He will bring justice.
All of us approach knowledge as well as spirituality in different ways. Some are very information or evidence-driven while others rely on experience as they form their beliefs about the world. Can both groups experience faith in the same way? As Pastor Mark continues our exploration of the book of Joshua, he’ll examine this question in a Scriptural context. One of the beautiful things about the Bible is that God intentionally used a few dozen human beings to write its books. This diversity of perspective helps all of us connect to His Word and see the way it can apply to our individual circumstances.
As Pastor Mark will illustrate in today’s message, it’s often more relaxed and lower pressure to be the “number 2” guy. Meaning, when you’re not in charge, it all doesn’t fall on your shoulders if things go the wrong way. As believers, we’re always in that position – our success is not solely dependent on us. So how do we find success as Christians? It’s all on Jesus. He’s already done everything needed to save us, and through the Holy Spirit, He wants to guide us into a purposeful life. When we lean into Him in faith, trusting that He’ll provide, we can experience a fullness of life that this world can’t offer.
It’s hard to run a race if you’re carrying luggage, but that’s what we tend to do in life, don’t we? We’re on a mission for God, running a race, but we have all types of baggage that is hindering our effectiveness. We’re letting sin trip us up, or we’re holding onto a grudge against a brother or sister in Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will ask the question, what is it that’s holding you back today? What sin haven’t you surrendered, or what is drawing your focus away from following God? Don’t let those things hold you back. You want to be free to serve God wholeheartedly, so cast off the weight holding you down.
Are you creeped out or comforted by the fact that God knows everything about you? Sometimes it seems like it could go either way, but be comforted. God knows all your sins, mistakes, and imperfections, but He loves you anyway. The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That’s reassuring. In his message today, Pastor Mark will encourage you by teaching that God knows everything about you and loves you. He could have rejected you, but He loves you in the midst of your sin. It’s tempting to try to hide from God, as you feel ashamed of your sin. You can’t hide, though, so don’t try.
God has already won the battle! What an encouraging truth. We often worry about the future, but isn’t it amazing that the future is as sure as the past to God? It’s a done deal. We will have heartache and troubles in this life, but we don’t have to worry. We can be encouraged that God has won the final victory. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that God has won the battle in your life. You may face pain and tribulation in life, but you have the ultimate victory over sin and death. You have been saved through Jesus Christ; all you have to do is trust in His goodness and walk in the victory that God has given you.
I’m guessing we guys are pretty thankful we don’t have to go through circumcision as adults like these Israelites. Talk about feeling pain and weakness! Why would God make the Israelites so vulnerable right before a battle? God seems to find so many ways to reinforce the fact that He’s the one fighting the battle. In his message today, Pastor Mark will remind you that God is the one fighting your battles. You may think you should be finding a way to train yourself to be stronger, more talented, and knowledgeable, but God wants you to be weak and vulnerable, so you will trust in Him. Depend on God and His strength to save.
We’re pretty impatient as humans most of the time. We don’t like waiting for anything, do we? Have you ever been impatient waiting in line in a fast food drive-thru? That person in front of you made you wait a whole 60 seconds longer than you should have! God’s timing can mean waiting quite a bit longer than 60 seconds. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to pray and wait on the Lord. God cares about you and wants the best for you. Waiting can be hard, but trust in God. He goes ahead of you to clear the way, so you just need to be patient while He does. Then you can follow in the path that He has made for you.
We sometimes wonder why we aren’t receiving God’s blessings, don’t we? God is a loving and giving Father, but He doesn’t control our actions. He has all the blessings extended to us with open hands, but He won’t make us take them. We have to reach out and grab them. It takes some amount of action on our part. In Pastor Mark’s message today, he’ll encourage you to reach out and grab the blessings God has for you. Jesus died and rose again to give you life, but that did you no good until you took a step of faith and accepted Jesus as your Savior. In the same way, God wants you to move in faith to receive the gifts He has for you.
There’s room at the dining table of the Lord! Will you take a seat? Pastor Mark explains that it’s important to not put off deciding to follow Christ. God desires for everyone to enter into His presence eternally. But you need to commit to following Him! He will not force His way into your life. You must choose to receive Him! In today’s message from Pastor Mark, he challenges you to decide to become a follower of Jesus. Tomorrow is never a guarantee. Deciding to surrender your life to Jesus will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Choose today whom you will serve. Choose today to be a disciple of Jesus and to live eternally with Him.
Always turn to the Word of God and stay rooted in it! Sometimes it can be difficult to know what’s really of God and what isn’t. The enemy uses confusion to try to get us off track. However, it’s important to turn to the Lord for His wisdom which can be found in the Bible. Make reading God’s Word a daily priority in your walk with Him. As you learn in today’s message from Pastor Mark, it’s important to always take whatever you’re taught back to the Bible. If a teaching aligns with Scripture that’s how you know that it’s of the Lord. There will be more false teachings that will arise with the second coming of Jesus. Stay anchored in God’s Word!
Do you keep up with your family calendar, or does your spouse handle the family schedule? For many families, one person just goes about life seemingly with no schedule, but all the while another is actually keeping everything moving and happening at its appointed time, despite the appearance of chaos. As Pastor Mark will explain in today’s message, no matter how much people, and even satan, try to do what they want, fight, and be evil, in the end, everything will happen when it is appointed to happen. You can take comfort in the fact that God is still in control of the mess the world is becoming.
How do you know what the Bible says is true? Most Christians would point to a feeling or some experience they have had as the way they know it’s true. For a non-believer that may not be enough, many times they will look for more concrete evidence of the accuracy and validity of what is written. In today’s message, Pastor Mark draws parallels between what secular history books say happened in the region surrounding Isreal, and what the angel tells Daniel will happen. For the non-believer, this part of the Bible can serve as evidence that it is the Word of God. There is no way Daniel could have known the events without God!
There are many history books that explain the history of Israel and the surrounding region. Those all were written after the events happened, but the Book of Daniel describes historical events before they happened with astonishing accuracy. That is why it can be used to validate the accuracy of the Bible. In today’s message, Pastor Mark breaks down the historical events described in Daniel and explains how you can know they are accurate. The more important message to take away is that God is in control, and everything happens on His timeline. Knowing that should give you peace and comfort.
Have you ever missed out on an experience because something about it scared you? Maybe you struggle in social settings so you have missed out on getting to know someone who may have had a positive effect on your life. Sometimes you have to push through fear to realize there isn’t anything to be afraid of. Too many times people associate anything supernatural with the demonic realm, and they are afraid. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains not all things supernatural are evil. If you have a close relationship with God you will be able to discern which things are actually spiritual gifts from Him.
Have you ever known someone whose parents protected them from everything? Anytime they faced a challenge their parents were there to make sure they didn’t struggle. Maybe it was by paying any time they owed money. That person probably had an eye-opening experience the first time they encountered strife on their own. As Pastor Mark points out in today’s message, sometimes God will allow you to face some opposition so you learn how to fight. God uses the struggle to develop your character and to make sure you are equipped to face the enemy. Ultimately through developing your character with the struggle you become more like Him.
Have you ever stopped someone from doing something, or just didn’t agree to do something because you knew it was dangerous? Many times people do things with the intention of protecting others from something or someone, and most times they don’t even realize you did anything at all. If you are a parent you have probably had to stop your child from doing something that potentially saved their life and they didn’t even bat an eye. Today Pastor Mark explains how, like a parent, God saves us and most times we aren’t even aware of His presence. Whether you realize it or not God is constantly intervening to protect you!
Have you ever wanted to change a process at work? Maybe you just wanted to change the way your family does dinner time. If you tell others what you want to change and then continue to do it the original way, you won’t see much change. Many times you have to just do the change and others will begin to follow. Many times people in the church will pray and ask for a revival in the church as a whole. Well, today Pastor Mark explains if you want to see revival in the church, you must first start with a personal revival! Once you confess and become revived others will see and the revival will spread. The bottom line is you should be an example for others.
Have you ever read something and when you finished you didn’t really know what you had just read, so you went back and read it again? It could have been instructions that just didn’t make sense the first or even second time. Many times once you get to the end you have context and you can go back and it all will make sense. When it comes to the Bible you may not understand much of what you read the first time. Today Pastor Mark assures you that you aren’t alone, even Daniel didn’t understand at first. As you spend more time in the Word and praying, you will start to understand more and more. All you need to know now is God loves you!
Have you ever been asked to do something that doesn’t align with your morals or beliefs? How did you respond? If it hasn’t happened, how do you think you would respond? There may be times when it would be easier to, just this once, compromise, but in that case, when do you say enough is enough? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how after being killed and mistreated for years a group of Jews decided they weren’t going to stand for it anymore. In some cases, they even killed people who were willing to compromise their beliefs. Have you considered how far you could be pushed before you pushed back?
There are so many different accents in the United States that you don’t have to leave the country to not be able to understand people. If you’re from the south people from the north speak too fast, and vice versa. If you’re not from the Deep South and you travel or move there, you may think you need a translator to order coffee! In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds you that God can speak right to you! It doesn’t matter what language you speak, or if you have a thick accent, God will speak to you in a voice that you can understand. All you have to do is ask what He wants to say to you, and then, most importantly, listen for His voice.
During the end times, there will be a control exerted on the world by mankind that will be oppressive. We felt a little of that control during COVID. The world was controlling man’s lifestyle. They made everyone obey. God did not allow it to continue at this time, but in the end times, it will happen again and oppress us. In today’s message, Pastor Mark assures us of two things from scripture. The first truth is; that oppressive controlling times are coming. The second encouraging truth is; that we can escape them. These times are for those who are saved after the rapture and those of us who are Christians will not have to endure them.
Is your name written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life?” There will be quite a library in Heaven, but the most important book is the “Lamb’s Book of Life.” At the judgment seat of Christ, the decision for your eternity will have already been made. If you have placed your faith in Christ while on earth, your name will be there. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us of the importance of this last scene. There will be no more appeals. The names in the book are final. It will be a wonderful and fearful scene at the same time. Justice will finally be rendered and eternity revealed. That is why sharing the gospel now is so urgent and important.
God’s viewpoint is different from man’s viewpoint. In today’s message, Pastor Mark describes the vision of Nebuchadnezzar in two different passages. From a man’s point of view, the statue had gold and precious metals. From God’s point of view, the statue was four beasts. God saw ugly sin in these four powers. We see things from this world’s view and often we judge ourselves by the world’s standards and we look pretty favorable. But, when we see ourselves as God sees us, we see filthy rags. Only when we see ourselves as fallen and broken can we come to Him. God sees our brokenness and receives us.
Who is the Antichrist? Is he alive today? No one knows. He is described in Daniel as a little horn, and probably unknown. He will begin as a small insignificant leader who rises up quickly. He will be given power and authority by Satan and will do away with other world leaders and take supreme leadership of the world. In today’s message, Pastor Mark shows us how God foretells about the end times and this Anti-Christ’s, or little horns’, rise to power. It is important to understand his strength and power will be supernatural and given to him by Satan. The images in Daniel are consistent with the same images in the book of Revelation.
The first six chapters of Daniel are in chronological order. The last six chapters are prophetic and not in chronological order. It is important to realize that God sees things all at one time. He often goes outside that historical timeline to convey the truth to us. We see things in a linear way, but God sees things all at once. In today’s message, Pastor Mark gives an analogy of seeing things from a hot air balloon. From the earth, we see the street in front of us, but from above, people are able to see several miles ahead. God has a different perspective than we do. We see what is happening now, but he sees the future and has a better view.
What happens when we find ourselves in a lion’s den? What happens when difficult times come and we are tested? Do you really believe, or do you just love God when things are going well? We don’t find out how strong our faith is until we are tested. God allows us to go through tough times for a reason. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us about Daniel’s faith that survived the test of the lion’s den. True faith can only be tested when we go through the trials of life. It is in these times that we prove His power, provision, and protection. Our dependence on Him during trials strengthens us and is a witness to the world.
In the study today, we find Daniel hated by the heathen world around him. There has always been a sense of animosity toward God and His people. It is spiritual blindness. There are people who hate Christians and don’t even know why. It is an evil that spews hatred without reason. It is similar to the hatred of Jews. In today’s message, Pastor Mark encourages us to recognize the spiritual realm and the falsehoods it spreads. Anytime we see something that is not logical or reasonable, recognize that the enemy is involved. The world hates believers. The unbelievers' hearts are filled with untruths, so do not seek wisdom from them.
There was a severe hatred towards Daniel and His God in the Old Testament story of Daniel and the lion’s den. Those same demonic forces still exist today. There are radical forces in our culture trying to stop God’s people and His word. We need to be prepared, just like Daniel to make a decision to follow God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark admonishes us to be sure our fear shifts over to His boldness. We can only become bold when like Daniel, we have established a daily routine of seeking God. When we follow His guidelines, then we are prepared to turn that fear of evil into boldness and become a mighty tool in God’s hands.
As Christians, we need to be aware that people are watching us. Even more importantly, God is watching us. He has given us His name and we are responsible for how we represent that name and the way our actions reflect on God and His people. Just as a wife takes her husband’s name, we have been married to Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that not taking God’s name in vain has more than just verbal application. Respecting God’s name has as much to do with the way we live as it does the way we speak. When we take on the name of Christ, we represent Him. We are responsible for His reputation.
God’s word says we are His sheep, and yet we are to be as bold as lions. Sheep follow. But we are not to be sheep who follow the world, but sheep who follow the Lord. Sometimes it takes years of following the Lord for us to become strong enough to have the boldness and wisdom needed to speak up for our Lord. Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that even though we may be facing a ferocious enemy, God is standing right beside us, and He is offering His strength to help us fight our battles. He can provide the victory just as he did for Daniel. Like Daniel, we must be willing to stand for God and allow Him to provide His strength.
Have you made a firm decision to follow Jesus no matter the cost? The Holy Scriptures explain that disciples of Jesus are to pick up their crosses daily and to follow Him. This can be difficult when the cross comes with mocking, peer pressure, or other temptations of the world to conform and blend in. As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you about the importance of deciding before the hard things come your way. Make a firm resolution in your heart today that no matter what cost is involved in the future you will follow after Jesus. You will know in your heart that true life is indeed in Him.
Do you get intimidated or nervous when asked to share your testimony? If so, you’re not alone. It can be challenging at times to open up and share. But know that when you do, you’re likely helping other people who have had a similar journey or experience. People relate to testimonies, which is why they’re powerful. In today’s message, Pastor Mark expresses to you the importance that testimonies play in leading others to the Lord. A testimony is simply your personal story of what God has done for you in your life. It’s recounting the ways in which God has intervened and has shown you a better way. Simply share the good God’s done.
Do you view death as a gain? The Bible says that to live is Christ and to die is gain. But often in the world of “chasing the fountain of youth culture,” it can be terrifying to think about death. However, when you’re secure in where you’re going to spend eternity, death has no sting. Those who are in Christ have nothing to truly lose. In today’s message from Pastor Mark, he encourages you to know today where you’ll be spending eternity. Don’t leave it up to doubt and speculation. Make the decision today to follow Jesus. Surrender your life to Him as your Savior. And enter into eternity with Him when death comes knocking. There is so much to gain in Christ!
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Don’t forget! The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He doesn’t want you to have freedom. He desires to control and force you to his ways. But that is never the case with the God we read about in the Bible. He offers you a life that is fruitful and abundant. As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he shares with you that God is perfect in His love. And perfect love always casts out fear. The enemy manipulates by fear and intimidation. God always leads with love because that’s who He is. He extends free will to everyone and offers them the freedom to choose His ways.
If you grew up in a Christian family, can you trace back through the generations when your family members first got saved? Was it through your grandparents, or even your great-grandparents? Does it go back further? God’s faithfulness and blessings are passed down through the generations. Isn’t that so amazing?! Today, Pastor Mark teaches that Daniel was promoted to be the leader of all the wise men, or magi. It was most likely Daniel’s influence and teachings that led the magi to search for Jesus in Bethlehem, hundreds of years later. You never know how your faithfulness and obedience to God today will affect future generations!
Did you know that God uses even Satan to accomplish His purposes? Satan can only do the things that God permits him to do. If even the prince of demons is under God’s control, then how much more are presidents, kings, CEOs, and world leaders under the control of the King of kings and Lord of Lords? In today’s message, as Pastor Mark teaches about Nebuchadnezzar's dream, he shows you that God is in control of all world powers and world events. If God can use even evil kings like Nebuchadnezzar to accomplish His plans, how much more will He use His children to do great things for His glory and our good?
Have you ever had a situation that made you so desperate for God’s help? Daniel and his three friends sure did! Unless they could do the impossible task of telling the king what his dream was and what it meant, they would be executed! There was nothing they could do except cry out to God for help. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you that turning to God is the best thing you can do during those moments. While others may rely on their own strength, or succumb to fear and panic, as believers, we can put our faith in the God who holds the entire universe in the palm of His hands! What do you need His help with today?
What are some of the biggest trials and difficulties that God brought you through? Maybe it was illness, broken relationships, or financial struggles. While those experiences were so painful at the time, looking back on them now, you can probably see God’s faithfulness and goodness working through those experiences. Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that as you grow in your faith, God will allow the trials in your life to get more difficult. He does this to show you how far you’ve come, and to teach you how to trust in Him in greater ways. God never allows you to go through trials that you’re not ready for, and He always uses them for your good.
Have you ever made a stand like Daniel did in refusing to eat food that would defile him? At the moment, it may have not seemed like such a big deal. He just ate a vegetarian diet. But in today’s message, Pastor Mark highlights the importance of being faithful to God in the small decisions and opportunities in your life. In what areas of your life will you commit to being faithful to God? Maybe it’s in your sexual purity. Maybe it’s in your conduct and integrity at work. Commit to being faithful to God in that specific area in your life. God will give you the power to remain faithful, and He will reward you in ways you can’t even imagine!
Do your non-Christian friends and co-workers know that you’re a Christian because of the things you do and don’t do? Maybe they notice that you don’t use foul language or get drunk. Maybe they’ve seen your work ethic and generosity. In today’s text, we see that Daniel had good judgment and strong convictions to be a faithful witness. Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that, like Daniel, you must let your actions reflect your love and faithfulness to Jesus. Living in a secular culture, it’s easy to compromise your faith and go with the flow of what everyone else is doing. Today, take a stand to be a faithful witness to God instead of conforming to the world.
Satan is after our children so that he can ruin the next generation. Look at what they’re teaching students today, from elementary schools to universities. Our kids are being indoctrinated to think and act in ways that go against God, from gender fluidity and homosexuality to evolution and denying the existence of God. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that this has been one of Satan’s oldest tactics. We see him doing this to the Jewish teenagers who are taken captive in Babylon along with Daniel and his friends. If you’re a parent, it’s vital to teach your kids God’s truth so that they are not led astray by the lies of this world.
No child likes to be disciplined, and no parent likes to discipline their child. However, it’s necessary in order to correct the wayward behavior and teach them the proper way. The children may not see or understand the benefits now, but later on, they’ll reap the benefits that the discipline provided for them. In the same way, our heavenly Father also disciplines us because we are His beloved children. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that God disciplined the nation of Israel by sending them to Babylon for 70 years. Afterward, the Israelites never worshipped idols again! In what ways have you benefitted from God’s discipline?
Many people doubt that the book of Daniel was actually written by the biblical character Daniel because the prophecies contained in the book, written several hundred years before the actual events, are so accurate! They claim that there’s no way that anyone could have predicted those events so far back! In today’s message, Pastor Mark gives you several pieces of evidence to support the historical accuracy of the book of Daniel. But the strongest evidence is that Jesus confirms that the book was written by Daniel. You can have full faith in God’s word because everything He says is true and will be fulfilled!
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series, he’ll be reminding you that His people will be kings and priests in the New Jerusalem. God introduces the idea of a royal priesthood, describing Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, and later John writes to the churches explaining that the church is a kingdom of priests also. The four living creatures echo this concept as well in Revelation, singing that God had redeemed people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and they add that this ethnically diverse multitude is a kingdom of priests. You should be conducting your life here on Earth with this fact in mind!
The New Jerusalem, which is also called the Tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the City of God, and Heavenly Jerusalem, is literally heaven on earth. Today, Pastor Mark will be explaining the symbolism in the beautiful details that God will create in the future for His people who have received Jesus for salvation. The New Jerusalem will be a place of unimagined blessing. The curse of the old earth will be gone, and in the city is the tree of life “for the healing of the nations” and the river of life. The New Jerusalem is the ultimate fulfillment of all God’s promises and is God’s goodness made fully manifest.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the book of Revelation, he’ll be reminding you that no matter what you’re going through, there will be a Day when God Himself will wipe away every tear and there will no longer be any pain and suffering. We will dwell in Paradise with God Himself! How humbling is this heart-rending picture of God Himself reaching down in the most intimate and tender way, to brush away the tears from our faces. The image represents the Lord’s ultimate victory over our greatest enemies at the culmination of history. The final enemy—death itself—is destroyed!
As Pastor Mark teaches through Revelation today you may ask yourself: “Why will God release Satan at the end of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ?" There are some biblical questions that we cannot answer on this side of glory because God has chosen to reserve some mysteries to Himself, and we have a finite mind. The believers who live through the tribulation will be mortal. All those who are born during the millennium will enjoy the blessings of Christ's reign on the earth, but they will still be born with a sin nature, and they will still have to repent and believe the gospel. Satan will be released to give these people a choice.
Have you ever seen two things that, at first glance, looked exactly the same, but one was much more expensive than the other? They may be the same item, or accomplish the same task, but the expensive one has a much nicer appearance, and maybe a few other additional features. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains that even though all who accept Jesus are saved and nothing can change that, you can add to your heavenly crown. Everyone will be clothed in clean white robes, but the more you accomplish in Christ’s name, the nicer your heavenly body will be adorned.
Do you have a plan for the future? Many people plan for the future by setting up some sort of investment account with the goal of being financially secure. Others invest in expensive things hoping the value will increase. When you think of planning for the future, is your first concern money? For most people it is. In today’s message, Pastor Mark warns that you cannot place your hope in money and materialistic things, instead, you have to place your hope in Jesus! People spend decades trying to build riches and placing their hope in that only for it to be nothing in a moment. You should plan for the future, but don’t put your hope in riches.
Have you ever been accused of something, or have people assumed things about you because of where you live? All too often where you live or work can influence the way people see you. You may be able to convince them otherwise through actions, but many times you have to leave that place. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how engaging in the sins of where you live or work will result in you being punished along with everyone else. You can avoid the punishment by leaving the place and turning your back on the habits and temptations that came along with being there.
Sometimes a small group of people can ruin things for everyone. For example, a small group of teenagers could constantly cause trouble in a shopping center, and as a result, no one under 18 is allowed in alone. Sometimes people behave so badly they are not allowed to participate in activities with others. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how some demons were so terrible that God had them locked up much earlier than the rest. Of all the demons this small group was held in a special cell until the time when mankind is judged. Can you imagine how bad a demon would have to be in order to be considered so bad they had a special cell?
Have you ever had to share information with only a certain person but you knew it had to go through others? Maybe you were planning a surprise party and needed to come up with a way to make plans that only you and a select few could understand. You could have used pictures or even code words to maintain confidentiality. If you ever wonder why the book of Revelation is full of odd imagery, Pastor Mark explains why in today’s message. John knew if he spoke plainly about what he had seen the Roman guards would have stopped him from sharing. Therefore he used imagery that only people in the church would understand.
Do you know someone who seems to follow whatever the new trend is? They have to have the newest thing they saw on TV or social media only to drop it for whatever comes next. That is how many people treat religion. They jump from one religion to the next or try to combine multiple into one but are never satisfied. In today’s message, Pastor Mark warns that following other religions that worship anything other than Jesus is like spiritual adultery to God. Like someone who is sexually promiscuous, following and/or worshiping false gods is considered spiritually unfaithful, and God will punish those people accordingly.
Have you ever thought you were in control of something only to find out it was only an illusion? Maybe you had a job where you thought you had the power to make decisions or changes, but as soon as a big decision needed to be made someone came in and overturned everything you had tried to do. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds you that no matter how much you think you can change, God is the only one who is ultimately in control! People try so hard to change the environment or the climate, so much that they start to worship it. Those people will eventually learn who is really in control!
Have you ever had to go through an excruciating training program in order to accomplish a goal or secure a certification of some kind? You probably knew you would have to suffer for a little while so you could do the next thing when it was over. What if the suffering never ended? Would you still want the same things? In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds you that contrary to what some people believe, hell is not a temporary holding place. Hell is a permanent place of suffering, that is why God does not want you, or anyone, to experience it. Knowing that should be a motivation for you to continually turn away from sin.
What is the most important thing in your life? Is it a material possession, a person… is it God? What’s most important today may not be the same as it was when you were younger. For many people, it’s their children or spouse. For others, it may be a car or something sentimental from their past. As Pastor Mark will point out today, what you find most important in your life is your “god”; it’s almost like you worship what’s most important to you, or they become like idols. Once you give your life to Christ you should no longer worship other things, that is why Jesus should be the most important thing in your life!
Have you ever met anyone who believes in psychics? Many of these people who claim to be psychic, or a medium are just very good at deductive reasoning. The people who go to the medium are usually easily deceived because they searching for hope or answers to some trauma or struggle they are facing. In today’s message, Pastor Mark warns that the enemy will use that searching, or lack of hope to deceive people into following him. Sometimes the medium or psychic seems to know things they shouldn’t because demons have supplied just enough information to make it sound like it is from God when it’s not!
Have you ever worked with someone who seemed to think they were the boss? As long as your actual boss wasn’t around this person would try to tell everyone what to do and demand everyone pay attention to them. They may even have the same knowledge as the real boss, so they expect that you look to them for answers. In today’s message, Pastor Mark clarifies that the term “anit-Christ” literally means “instead of Christ”. Like the person you worked with, the anti-Christ will try to get the attention of all the people. On the surface, he will look and sound like Jesus, but he won’t have the full power of the Lord.
Have you ever had to prepare for a potential disaster? You may have been in the path of a potentially dangerous storm and needed to prepare. If you are ever in that situation you will need to make sure you have the proper tools to prepare your house and yourself. You must be both physically and mentally prepared. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains the tools necessary to overcome the devil's attack in our lives. The enemy will attack you, but if you are a believer in Jesus, His blood will protect you. He will also explain that your story of how you came to follow Jesus and what He has done for you is a powerful weapon.
Have you ever gone back and watched a movie or TV show from when you were younger? What was so cool, or interesting when it was new, probably looked a little cheesy or just silly now. The difference in culture and technology, and even language can really make something feel dated and irrelevant. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how many people will look at the Bible like an old outdated movie or TV show; the language used is dated, or even ancient, therefore the Bible is ancient. The Bible exists independently of any timeline, what is dated is the language not what is being said and taught!
Have you ever had a job that seemed like it was permanent, but once you finished a big project you were let go? The whole time working on the project you may have felt like you couldn’t be fired, but as soon as you finished the task you were working on you were told you no longer were needed. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how God will protect you from the enemy while you are following and spreading His word. It is still possible for you to harm yourself, but evil will not be able to touch you. As long as you are being faithful to God in your ministry you can rest assured you will be safe from attack.
Have you ever eaten something that tasted sweet and good at first, but then all of a sudden it began to taste bad? Many times you can receive some good news that requires some unpleasant things to come to pass. The end goal may be good and just what you had hoped for, but the process may be very difficult. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how when you first receive God’s word for your life, it can be exciting, but then you realize what it requires of you is not. Often people can hear God’s word and get excited, but when they realize what has to happen to fulfill the Word it can become bitter.
When you were younger, did you ever mark your things so you could easily find them? Maybe you had a shared space for washing clothes, so you put your name on the tags so your things were easily identifiable. Or maybe you marked your food with your name and the date so you would know if something spoiled. In today’s message, Pastor Mark tells of how the angels have been sent to somehow mark believers so they aren’t harmed in the tribulation. If you are a follower of Christ, you have been marked so the angels and the enemy know that you now belong to God, and nothing can harm you!
Have you ever tried to teach a teenager to drive, or to do anything that requires focus? You may have ended up taking their phone away so they would stop looking at it and pay attention. Sometimes the only way to get someone to focus is to completely remove anything that could potentially be a distraction. As Pastor Mark will explain today, sometimes God has to take things away from you so you will focus back on Him! You may not even realize you have lost your focus, or you may think by focusing on nature, or something else you are honoring God. But it is possible to focus too much on things that aren’t God!
Have you ever been accused of being stubborn? Sometimes the only way to get through to a stubborn person is to be even more stubborn. If someone refuses to listen or do something, you may have to stand your ground and break them down to help them. Maybe you’ve been the one that needed to be broken down. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how God uses judgment to break people’s pride. It may seem harsh, but it is really an act of love because without being broken down and forced to see sin for what it is, there would be no chance of salvation. Sometimes it takes tough love for the truth to be seen.
If you’re part of a sports team you can tell who’s on your team because you all have the same uniform. It’s pretty obvious if someone from another team tries to join you because they wouldn’t be dressed the same. This is helpful because it ensures you don’t give the ball to the wrong person. Today, Pastor Mark explains how, if you are a Christian you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked by God. No one else can see the mark, but God can. That mark, or seal, lets the enemy know you belong to God, and he will try to attack you because of it. But because you belong to God, the Holy Spirit will protect you.
When people push you to the edge of your patience, how do you react? Do you just shut down and refrain from reacting at all, or do you lash out and let them know they’ve pushed you too far? You may have a small voice telling you to restrain yourself and not react, many people refer to that as their conscience. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how even the small things, like taking gum or lashing out at people, are considered evil and sinful in the eyes of God. The small voice you hear telling you not to react is the Holy Spirit trying to guide you away from those sins. Learning to listen for that small voice will help you avoid sinning.
Have you ever tried to get that one hot item at Christmas time that everyone wanted? You may have waited in line for hours, only to be shoved out of the way and miss the chance to get it. Some people will go to extreme lengths for a trivial item that will be forgotten within a matter of days, what if it were a necessity? In today’s message, Pastor Mark illustrates what it will be like in the last days after the rapture. The same people that were fighting over the next hot item, will be fighting over a necessity. Rest assured, as a Christian, you will not have to experience the world without the restraining of the Holy Spirit.
Do you have any scars? Maybe you had surgery and still have a scar from that, or maybe you were injured while helping someone. Maybe you were injured because of a bad decision you made. No matter how it came to be, a scar can be a powerful reminder of a decision you made, good or bad. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus still has the scars from the cross. Not so much to remind Him of the decision to go to the cross, but to remind you that He suffered the persecution of the cross so that you won’t have to. The scars will always be a reminder of what He did for you and for me!
Have you ever stopped to consider if you are actually happy? Have you ever experienced lasting happiness? Too many people experience temporary happiness from a person or thing and then spend their whole lives chasing that feeling. It is possible you may be one of those people and not even realize it. In today’s message, Pastor Mark provides a potential explanation for why you are struggling to find true happiness. You may think you know what it means to be happy, but until you realize serving God is your purpose, you will never know true happiness and joy. True happiness is found when you start to glorify the Lord!
Many people as they grow up, have to deal with being picked on, or even attacked by other children. If the attacks became too bad their father would step in and remove them from the situation. After which the others would be punished in some way. You may have been one of those people who faced attacks from others but never your father. Today, Pastor Mark illustrates how even though the church has suffered the wrath of people and even satan, we will not experience the wrath of God. If you are a Christian you may be persecuted and attacked by people all around, even the devil. Be assured you will never face the wrath of God that they will experience.
Have you ever met someone who said they were passionate about the things you were, but their actions said otherwise? Sometimes you can’t tell if someone actually cares about something or if they are just going through the motions. They refuse to commit to joining your passion, but also won’t confirm their disagreement. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how it is better to either be on fire, or ice cold when it comes to following Jesus. Do you know where you stand? Have you completely rejected Jesus, or are you on fire for Him? Or do you kinda follow Jesus, and kinda follow your own desires?
Have you ever worked somewhere where only one person had access, be it a physical key, or a digital password? If that person was good, there probably weren’t too many problems. But if someone lacking in character had the keys, that could be problematic for everyone waiting to be let in. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds you that Jesus is the one who holds the “keys to the Kingdom” so you won’t have to wonder if a door should be opened or not. When it comes to ministry, Jesus is the only one who can give or take away access, you don’t have to rely on anyone else for access.
Have you ever been a part of something new that is trying to get established? When an organization first starts the focus is on making processes that make things function much more smoothly. Sometimes you can get so immersed in those processes that you don’t remember why you created them in the first place. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how growing churches can experience the same problem. As a church builds and grows it can implement processes to help the ministry, which are necessary. The problem comes when you lose the ministry part and become too focused on the processes.
Have you ever been busy for the sake of being busy? In the moment you may feel like you're getting a lot done, but in the end, the only thing you’ve accomplished is to have been busy. It comes down to a matter of quality over quantity. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains that while being busy and doing for the Lord is good, it isn’t as important as being with the Lord. You may think it is better to do as much as you can in the name of the Lord, when in reality spending time with the Lord building relationship, and learning is really what matters.
Have you ever heard someone explaining something, and you knew they were very wrong? How did that make you feel? If it was something you felt strongly about you probably got angry, and you should. One way you can tell if you are passionate about something is if you get upset when people explain it incorrectly. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how it is ok to be upset when you hear someone sharing false, or incorrect statements about the Bible. You should call out false teachings or statements, but be sure to do it in a loving way. There is no limit to the amount of harm that such things could cause.
Have you ever worked somewhere that had a rule that you felt went against your morals? Did you speak out against that rule? If you haven’t, would you? Now if you knew you would face the worst possible punishment, would that change your mind about speaking out, or would you just follow the rule to avoid punishment? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how John was sent to the island of Patmos which equated to a maximum security prison. He was exiled because he continued to live his life for Jesus. Even faced with exile and the threat of boiling oil, John wouldn’t stop suffering and living for Jesus.
Did you ever go to Disneyland as a kid? Can you imagine being so excited that you slept in your clothes to make sure you were ready? What an amazing picture of how the church is called to act as the bride of Christ! Are you ready for the return of Jesus? Prepare your heart and your mind like He’s coming tomorrow. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to sleep in your bridal gown. Obviously not in a literal sense, but it does speak to how much we should be anticipating the return of Jesus. When He comes to take you home, you’ll go to a place infinitely more wonderful than Disneyland, so be excited and ready.
What do you build your belief system on? Is it what God says is true or what you want to believe is true? So often, many people try to interpret the Bible through their own belief system instead of building their belief system on what God says through the Bible. Don’t fall into the trap of making the Bible say what you want. In his message today, Pastor Mark will challenge you to build your truth on God’s authority. It’s important to understand the context and the meaning of the original language in the Bible but don’t let that dilute the literal application. God’s Word has stood the test of time. You can believe in it and build your life upon it.
Are you ready for Jesus to return? God says we can’t know the day and the hour when He will return, but He is clear that we should be ready. God doesn’t want anyone to perish, so as the day approaches, He will make His existence abundantly clear. He wants everyone to know Him and have a chance to put their faith in Him. In his message today, Pastor Mark will challenge you to be prepared for the return of Jesus. Repent and give your life to Him. You may be ready for His return, and you’re wondering why Jesus hasn’t come already. God is a gracious God, who wants to give His children every opportunity to return and follow Him.
Where does your strength come from? For some of us, we can forget that God is our true strength. We may have some success in life, and we think it’s because we’re smart or powerful. It’s so easy to get distracted by our own talents like Samson did, and it was his downfall. Don’t let it be yours. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach about how the nation of Israel may be realizing that they need God. Don’t let yourself get deceived and think your achievements are because of your own talent just like Samson and Israel did. Fall on your knees in humility and acknowledge that everything you have comes from God.
Aren’t you thankful for having the Holy Spirit living in you? It’s kind of crazy to think that the Holy Spirit didn’t live in people before the coming of Christ. No matter how faithful and devoted a Jewish believer was, they didn’t have the Holy Spirit. How blessed we are to have assistance in living a life for God. In his message today, Pastor Mark will remind you of the benefits of the Holy Spirit. Before you put your faith in Jesus, your sin meant you couldn’t have the Spirit in you. Now you have God’s presence inside you. He can guide you and speak to you. Listen for the voice of God every day as you seek to live for Him.
Aren’t you glad that God is a God that keeps His promises? Aren’t you glad He doesn’t give up on people even when we are sinful and unfaithful? God is gracious when we don’t deserve it, and He is faithful to His word. He promised to be with the Jewish people. He hasn’t given up on Israel and He won’t give up on you. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you of just how amazing God is. Have you ever messed up even though you’re a follower of Jesus? God won’t abandon you. His love for you is unconditional. Isn’t that incredible? No matter what you’ve done, or how far you’ve strayed, you can never escape the love of God.
Do you have a heart for Israel? There are many out there that argue that God’s relationship with Israel is over, since they rejected Jesus. They say He has moved on to only blessing Christians. That’s not true. First of all, God wants all non-believers to turn to him, and He still has a heart for the Jewish people. In his message today, Pastor Mark will teach how it is clear in the Bible that God’s plan for Israel isn’t done. God made a promise to Abraham to bless the world through his descendants, and God keeps His promises. God's heart should be your heart. Pray for Israel, that they would see their need for Jesus and turn to Him.
Isn’t God’s grace and faithfulness amazing? Way back with His covenant with Abraham, He knew that Israel would mess up, but He made a covenant with them anyway. He knew that He would have to fulfill both sides of the promise, and because of that, He blessed the whole world through Israel and still has plans for them. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you how God’s plan all along was to pay the price for your sin. God knew you would mess up. He knew you couldn’t follow all the laws to have a relationship with Him. That’s why He sent His Son Jesus to pay the price of that covenant being broken. What an amazing God!
You probably know that our roots as Christians come from the same place as the roots of the nation of Israel, right? It’s still good to be reminded of how God’s plan from the beginning was to save the whole world through Israel by sending Jesus as our Savior. It’s amazing to see the seeds of redemption being planted. In his message today, Pastor Mark will teach you how essentially woven together your past and future are as a follower of Christ with the nation of Israel. God blessed Abraham and promised to bless the world through Him. God hasn’t forgotten Israel, and if you look at prophetic scripture, you’ll find there is still a plan for them.
Saying, “The world is dead to me” is a lot easier said than done. Because we are humans, we fall into the sinful traps of this world all the time! Whether we realize it or not, we often choose the world over Christianity, because the world seems more fun to be involved in or easier to follow because there are fewer rules. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that the world may seem better and easier, but it is ALL a disguise to lure and trap you into their sinful habits and actions. Jesus is obviously the better option when it comes to the world, so choose what may be harder but has the better benefits and eternal reward!
As Christians we often try to do the right things, because we’re morally sound people, we aspire to be like Jesus, and Jesus did and does good things. Sometimes those good things can seem useless though because we don’t see them bearing fruit right away. But it’s not the act of doing good, it’s the heart behind it! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to NOT give up when you don’t see results right away! Even just the thought and effort of wanting to do good deeds is enough for God! We don’t need to be perfect and succeed every time, because Jesus is the one who is perfect and the one who wins ALL battles!
Have you ever had something that was weighing you down, but you didn’t ask anyone for help? Maybe you were going through a rough time, or needed help with some work around the house. Whether it was your pride or not wanting to bother anyone, you made it harder on yourself by not sharing your burden with others. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that we need to share each other’s burdens. We’re not meant to carry our troubles all alone. In a society that values independence, it’s countercultural to ask for help. But it’s the way God designed us. If there’s anything that is weighing you down right now, share it with someone.
Do you find yourself constantly carrying a heavy burden? Maybe it’s the pressure to perform, or the need for people’s approval. It weighs you down like a ton of bricks. Whatever it is, know that you don’t have to carry those burdens. In fact, you’re not meant to. You have a God who is more than willing and able to carry them for you! Today, Pastor Mark teaches you to lay your burdens at Jesus’ feet. Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. If you’re constantly carrying a heavy load on your shoulders, then that burden isn’t from Jesus. You’ve put that on yourself, or the devil has put it on you to weigh you down. Give your burdens to God!
If you’re like me, then you have a hard time thinking of others more importantly than yourself. Like all of us, you are the hero and main character of your life. We all want to be praised, recognized, and put in positions of honor and power. If someone else gets what we want, then we get angry and envious of them. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that pride and conceit are works of the flesh. That’s our natural tendency. We want to be the most important. Humility and wanting others to be honored more than ourselves is truly a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Take your eyes off of yourself, and focus on everything Jesus has done.
Is there anything in your life that you need to throw into the dumpster? They may not be sinful things, but if they’re things that cause you to stumble and sin, then you need to get rid of them. Following Jesus sometimes requires drastic actions so that you don’t fall back on past sinful habits that are holding you back. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that we are in a daily battle between our fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit. Jesus has nailed our sins to the cross, but it’s up to us to let them die. If there’s any sin that’s holding you back from experiencing true freedom in Jesus, don’t hang on to it. Let it go, and start on your new path to freedom.
It’s so easy to be jealous of what other people have. You scroll through social media pages and see your friends enjoying nice vacations, new cars, and fancy gadgets and think, “Why don’t I have any of these things?” And before you know it, you forget all the blessings God has given you, and you start focusing on what you don’t have. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that you don’t need to be jealous of anyone because if you’re a follower of Jesus, you have a heavenly inheritance waiting for you. You have an eternal kingdom that will be beyond anything you can imagine! Be joyful in what you have, and be happy for those who have also been blessed.
What’s your morning routine? Do you immediately reach for your phone and go through all your notifications? Are you rushing to get out the door to beat the morning traffic? Do you spend time in prayer asking God for the grace and strength to accomplish all that He has planned for you? Every morning, we have a choice to make. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that we are in a daily battle between our fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit. Our natural tendency is to do things that go against God. Today, make the conscious choice and effort to strengthen the Holy Spirit’s influence in your life through daily prayer and reading of the Bible.
Adoption is a beautiful thing. A child who previously had no parents, no home and no family is welcomed into a family. Imagine if the child was adopted into a king’s family. Everything that the king has now belongs to the child! This picture of adoption is just a mere shadow of our spiritual adoption into God’s family! In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that if you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you are adopted into God’s family! It’s not just a legal procedure. You’re an actual child of God. The same blood that flows in Jesus’ veins also flows in yours! Everything that God owns is yours! It’s all because of Jesus!
Have you ever asked God for something, and He didn’t give it to you until several years later? Maybe it was a spouse, a new job, or someone’s salvation. If we’re honest, we all want God to move faster. We’re not good at waiting. We live in a society of instant messaging, movies on demand, and microwaveable food. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that when you get impatient with God’s timing and try to do things your way, it leads to problem after problem. God never needs our help to accomplish His promises. His timing is always perfect. Is there anything right now that you’re waiting on God for? Trust in His timing.
If you claim that you’re a fan of The Beatles, but you don’t listen to them and don’t know many of their songs, then you’ve just proven that you’re actually not a fan. The same thing is true of your relationship with Jesus. If you claim that you’re a follower of Jesus, what evidence in your life can you show that you love Him? Today, Pastor Mark teaches that in every believer’s life, there needs to be evidence that they are truly following Jesus. Are you spending regular time in prayer and reading the Bible? Are you serving in your church? If you’re not sure whether there’s evidence of your faith, take time to recommit yourself to God.
If you’ve been around Christians for some time, you’ve probably heard the term “born again.” This might sound like some weird religious term to describe converting to Christianity. But Jesus said that you have to be born again to enter Heaven. Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that being born again is an actual event. Just as your physical birth was an actual event, your spiritual rebirth is also an event that happens. You know when you’re born again. Something radically changes in your heart and in your life. A weight is lifted off your shoulders, and you start understanding the truths of the Bible. You truly become a new creation.
Have you ever wondered what kind of music God likes? Would He listen to rap and heavy metal? Or does He only approve of hymns and worship music? I’m sure all of us come from various Christian traditions that have certain rules about different issues. They may not be wrong, but they’re also not based on anything in the Bible. Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that as a Christian, you don’t have to be bound by specific traditions that have no basis in the Bible. You can be free from rules and traditions that you follow to feel spiritual or be right with God. There’s nothing you can do to make God love you or approve of you any more than He already does.
When you hear the word “idols”, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is carved statues of false gods. While those are indeed idols, if there’s anything that you love more than God, then that’s an idol. It can be a spouse, a career, or a hobby. Those are all good things, but they can’t take the place of God in your life. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that whatever has the most worth in your life is what you ultimately worship. While spouses, careers, and hobbies are good gifts from God, they are worthless compared to God. Only God can completely fill you. Everything else will end up leaving you empty. Who do you choose to worship today?
What a feeling that would be! To be purchased as a slave by someone, only for them to set you free! Who would do such a thing? That would be a big financial loss. But that’s exactly what Jesus did! He purchased our freedom through His death on the cross, and we’re no longer slaves to sin. That is good news! Today, Pastor Mark teaches that not only did God free us from sin, but He adopted us as sons and daughters! It’s like going to your parent’s house for Thanksgiving: You're freely eating all the food and watching whatever you want on TV because it's your parents! Today, you can enjoy that kind of freedom with your heavenly Father!
When you were a kid, your parents had to teach you the rules. When you broke a rule, you probably had some type of punishment, so your motivation for following the rules was to not get into trouble. Now as an adult, you’re no longer motivated to obey your parents out of fear, but because you love them. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that as you mature in your relationship with Jesus, you’re no longer motivated to follow His commands because you don’t want to get in trouble. You obey Him because you love Him and want to do what makes Him happy! We encourage you to continue growing in your relationship with Jesus!
When you were young, your parents probably did a good deal of teaching you rules. You may even have had a list of house rules written down, such as sharing your toys with your siblings, not hitting anyone, and brushing your teeth before bed. As you got older, you hopefully needed to be reminded of these rules less and less! Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that the Bible serves as guidelines to help you mature in the Christian faith. New believers need to understand how to grow in their relationship with Jesus. As you get to know and love Jesus more, you’re motivated to do things because you love Him and want to make Him happy!
Most Americans, if not all, know who Jesus is. They’re probably also familiar with the basic Christian beliefs about salvation. But what about people living in remote villages who’ve never heard about Jesus? What about everyone who died before Jesus was even born, including people in the Old Testament? How are they saved? Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that the only way anyone can get to heaven is through believing in Jesus. That has never changed. People who’ve never heard of Jesus are saved through faith in God’s promised savior for their sins. If you’ve heard of Jesus but have never accepted Him as your Savior, make that choice today!
Did you know that everyone is born a sinner? Even before they do a single action, they’re sinners. How? Because sin is in our blood. We’ve all inherited the sin nature of Adam and Eve. We don’t become sinners when we sin. We sin because we already are sinners. That’s why it’s impossible for us to live a perfect life. Today, Pastor Mark highlights the importance of Jesus’ virgin birth. The virgin birth wasn’t just a gimmick for God to show off. The virgin birth was necessary so that Jesus wouldn’t be tainted by the same sinful nature that corrupts all humans. It’s only through Jesus’ righteous blood that you can be perfect before God.
Imagine that the only way to get to heaven is by living a perfect life according to the Old Testament laws. Even if God excused all your past sins, do you think you’d be able to fulfill the law without making any mistakes? How stressful would this be? At some point, you’d probably cry out, “It’s impossible!” And you’d be right. Today, Pastor Mark teaches you that trying to get to heaven by your own good works is indeed impossible. Trying to do so is a curse because no matter how hard you try, you’ll still fail and be condemned. Thank God that He sent His son Jesus to live a sinless life and pay the price for our sins. You can now live in freedom!
Have you wondered why God doesn’t change everyone’s hearts so that they believe in Him? The Bible says God doesn’t want anyone to go to hell, so if He’s all-powerful, why doesn’t He just make everyone a Christian? Man’s free will and God’s sovereignty seem like contradictions that have stumped theologians for centuries. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that God gives all of us a choice. If you’re forced or manipulated into loving God, that’s not love. You might as well be a robot. God knew before you were even born whether you would choose to love and follow Him. If you haven’t decided to follow God yet, make that choice today!
The only way to get to heaven is by believing in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But have you ever wondered how people in the Old Testament were saved? Heroes of the faith such as Abraham, Noah, and Job didn’t even have the Ten Commandments. The Bible says they were saved by faith, just like you and I are. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that you’re saved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by following every command in the Bible. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need the Bible. The Bible is God’s instructions on how you are to live. It shows how you can please God and be a blessing to those around you.
Maybe you’ve been in Christ for a while now, and you’ve started to look for more responsibility. Maybe you’ve been doing more at the church, giving more, spending more time in the Bible; and that’s great! But we can’t let ourselves forget who gave us the grace to do all these great things, or who gave us the desire to do them. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us how little we had do to with getting to where we are today. He reminds us that it’s all the grace of God and that without His initiation, and ability to accomplish these deeds, we are nothing. In Him, we live, breathe, and have our being. Thank you Jesus for all that you have done.
At some point, maybe you’re there right now, we have to lay our efforts down. We have to accept and be grateful that only, we aren’t enough; and can’t be enough to be right with God. Yes, there is still stuff God has for us to do while we’re here, but maybe there is also some sitting at the feet of Jesus too. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that this life isn’t all about achieving, it’s also about receiving, and appreciating what the Lord has done and is doing. Thank you, Jesus, you are the provider, healer, deliverer, savior, and so much more. Let’s never forget our first love. Let’s not forget, the one that first loved us.
We’re called to be lambs among wolves, and bold even if it cost us something. The Apostle Paul was a grace teacher, but he was not afraid to correct errors, even publicly. Sometimes that’s what it takes to stop a virus from infecting the sheep. If Paul thought it was necessary shouldn’t we be brave enough to do the same? In today’s message, Pastor Mark examines how to deal with apostasy in the church. If you’re not a bold person, the Lord will help you accomplish what He needs to be done. I’m reminded of a good father and his children, he doesn’t always yield to every whim of his kids, does he? No, sometimes there is a firmness in love.
We have to be ever diligent and watch out for apostasy in the church; and always examine the teachers set before us to ensure that they are teaching sound doctrine. As Pastor Mark says in his message today, we’re just one generation away from apostasy. So, that’s why it’s important to trust but verify everything we’re taught. In today’s message, Pastor Mark brings to the forefront the importance of not just looking for teachers tickling your ears. Rather, look only to teachers who are teaching what the Bible is saying, regardless of how they were brought up. If our opinion or upbringing is contrary to the word, we have to be willing to yield to it.
Grace isn’t an excuse to just do whatever our flesh desires. In today’s message, you’ll find out all about navigating faith, and freedom and getting along with others who might see things a bit differently. Pastor Mark is going to break it all down for us. You'll find out how Paul stood his ground on some pretty big issues. Pastor Mark will show us how to go about our journey today, figuring out how to live in freedom and respect each other's differences; without compromising the integrity of scripture. Never forget that we aren’t justified by our actions, but our actions do reveal what our hearts really believe about God.
The fear of man and the pleasing of man will quench out the works of ministry God has for your life. Let’s be a people that will stand up for what God says is right, and live in such a way that affirms what we believe. Have you been struggling with doing what is right in the eyes of God because of what someone will think? In today’s message, Pastor Mark notes that he has to pray for boldness at times. Maybe you’re someone who needs to pray for gentleness. Love & obedience can look different, but the goal of all this instruction is love. Let’s live boldly in love with those we encounter while the Lord continues to breathe life into our lungs.
You can’t add to Jesus. The Gospel is a one-step program! Believe Jesus finished the work. The word finished is a farming term, which means everything that needed to be done; was completely done, and nothing was left undone! We have a good God who draws, loves us, and keeps us with the Faith that He gave us. In today’s message, Pastor Mark calls us to wake up! Not we unwise to the devices of the devil! Don’t let him trick you into believing the false doctrine of “Jesus And.” The goal of that doctrine is to make the gospel of no effect in your life! Wake up church, there is an enemy on the prowl seeking to destroy you!
A man once said, "The law was the light that reveals how dirty the room is, not the broom that sweeps it clean." Wow isn’t that powerful! The law was never given to us to make us right with God; it was given to make us come to the end of ourselves and cause us to recognize that we need a savior. That savior’s name is Jesus! In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that we aren’t building a house in heaven on our own. We aren’t cutting a check signed in our blood to pay for our relationship with the Father. That Jesus is the one who justifies us. Jesus is the one who makes us right with God, and He’s the one who keeps us right with God.
Most of us didn’t get to learn the truth of the Gospel from Jesus in person, but we’re fortunate to have the Apostle Paul fill in the gap in our understanding. Tradition can have a place in the church, but our traditions should never quench the Holy Spirit's moving. Have you noticed any of these traditions still holding your brethren captive? In today’s message, Pastor Mark you’ll learn about the true Gospel as it was preached by Paul, and revealed by Jesus. Let’s be a people that lives like Jesus. Let’s live a life, that does only what the Father is doing, sees what the Father is seeing, and says what the Father is saying; for the Glory of God.
The people around you are watching your life. What kingdom are you representing? Are you showing love, compassion, and mercy? Are you walking in forgiveness; are you being a peacemaker? What does your walk tell the world about the God you believe in? You’re called to represent the King well here on this earth! In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us of the power of a testimony. The power of a transformed life, that has been molded into the image of God; a life that bears the fruit of righteousness. The way we walk matters, and our testimony matters; because for some people your life is the only epistle they will ever read.
Let that sink in for a moment. Paul marveled that followers of Jesus could be tricked into falling back into their Jewish traditions. I once heard that tradition is just peer pressure from dead people. There was no clear conscience for the Jew before that generation. Once a year a sacrifice was made, but everyone knew there would be another. In today’s message, Pastor Mark us of the finished work of Jesus, and what exactly He accomplished. The blood of Jesus reconciled you to the Father. Not your church attendance, not your good deeds. You know a tree by its fruit, if you believe right you’ll produce righteous fruit. If you make a tree good its fruit will be good.
Have you been to a church before that told you; that to be right with God you have to do a bunch of stuff? All the while they reinforced that you’ll never do enough to please Him. Friend, I’m telling you that the righteousness of God talked about in the Bible has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us of a biblical truth, that righteousness, is to be right with God. Not kind of right, not getting right, but right now we’re right with God because of what Jesus did. He finished the work on the cross, and we’re justified by grace through Faith in Christ alone, lest anyone should boast.
In our current culture, one of the biggest barriers to accepting Jesus is believing that someone who claims to be good could allow so much suffering. Every day, our world experiences more and more suffering, with seemingly no end in sight. In the midst of all of this, how do we know that Jesus is who He says He is? If you’re struggling with accepting God’s grace, Pastor Mark wants you to know that the state of our world today is never what God intended. When He created you and the rest of the heavens, it was perfect. He never wanted to be separated from you. Align yourself with a God who has always had you on His heart and mind.
It’s safe to say that at some point in our lives, we’ve all had a guilty conscious. Whether it’s feeling shame from a mistake we made, or having issues letting go of the past, feeling guilty is all too common. Today in his message, Pastor Mark shows you the freedom you can experience by letting Jesus cleanse you of your mistakes. There’s no time to wait if you haven’t put Jesus in the center of your life. The more you ignore the amazing things that He can do in your life, the worse you’ll become. Transform into the person you're striving to be. Let go and accept God’s free gift of grace. Leave guilt behind for good and feel renewed like never before.
Why is the nation of Israel considered God’s chosen people? Is it something they did to earn that status? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will unpack the history of Israel’s relationship with God, and where they stand today. Understanding happenings in our world through the lens of Scripture is so valuable! Our eyes should always be on what is happening with the nation of Israel, and the Lord commanded us to not betray His people. God wants to bring glory to His name through Israel, just as He did time and time again in the Old Testament. How can you expand your knowledge of what is taking place in the Holy Land today?
The role of Israel throughout history, in the Bible, and even today, is both fascinating and extremely influential in what is still to come for this earth. Today, Pastor Mark will look at what was foretold in the Scriptures, what has happened to this point, and what to be looking out for as the end times approach. The Lord has asked us to be watchful for His return. Signs of the last days should be exciting, not frightening. God has been at work, preparing the way for His second coming. How can you live with a more eternal mindset? Don’t be caught up by the distractions of today - know that the Lord’s return is ever approaching!
Just like a tree planted by water bears much fruit, so does a life that is rooted in God’s Word! As Jacob shares the blessings over his sons, he highlights the steadfastness of Joseph, despite his circumstances. Because of this faithfulness, Joseph and his family were blessed for many years to come, and we see that in history! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage listeners to be rooted in God’s Word, and be faithful in prayer and fellowship with other believers. Do you have a desire to bear fruit of God’s work in your life? The example that you set for your family today, could have a generational impact in the lives of others!
How can we know that the Word of the Lord is true and will always come to pass? Because it has time and time again! As Jacob spoke blessing and prophecy over his sons, we can look back over history and see how each one has been true to his word. The Bible is all truth, and remains our best guide! In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will continue to look at Jacob addressing each of his sons. As we have seen his words become true over time, we can find great hope in the Word of the Lord. Who do you turn to for truth today? God gave you His Word to be a lamp unto your feet, and a light unto your path!
There is no room for deception in the House of the Lord. Sin will always find you out! The example of Reuben shows us that not only his sin but also his hiding of it, paved the way for some difficult consequences. God has promised to forgive us of our sins if we simply confess and seek true repentance. Today, Pastor Mark will challenge listeners to come clean with any sins that are still being hidden. The Lord wants you to live “in the light,” and He will reward those who are honest before Him. Are you trying to “get away with” wrongdoing in your life? Today is the day to confess and turn back towards the Lord!
How are you maximizing the gifts and talents that God has given you? In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will look at the story of Jacob blessing his sons according to their deeds, and how this provides wonderful imagery of how we will stand before our Heavenly Father someday. We want to make Him proud! We know that our Salvation is not dependent upon our good works, but the Lord has called us to live for Him while on this earth. Each one has unique God-given abilities that He wants us to maximize for the Kingdom. Pray and ask the Lord to show you how and where He wants to use your life for Him today!
How does the life of Jacob speak to the faithfulness of God? Scripture is filled with stories like Jacob who serve as an example to the character and nature of our God. We can always rest in the power of these testimonies to know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord will come through for us! Today, Pastor Mark will continue to unpack Jacob’s final days, and how he gave a powerful testament to the grace of God. Have you doubted the Lord’s faithfulness? You can lean on the promises of Scripture, and examples of those before us. The Lord will carry you through this life until the day He calls you home!
Do you feel like the responsibilities of life are overbearing? Perhaps your physical and mental capacity is maxed out! Even Jacob at a very old age must have felt exhausted, but the Lord gave him the strength he needed. Likewise, the Lord will always supply us with everything we need to get through each day. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage listeners to stay faithful and trust in the mighty hand of God, even when life gets full. The Lord has promised to never leave nor forsake us. Whatever season He has you in, or calling that He has placed on your life, He will be faithful to carry you through if you trust in Him!
Have you allowed the weight of the world, and various demands in your life, to choke out the feeling of peace that only comes through Jesus? The enemy wants to rob both believers and unbelievers of their peace. The stress, the conflicts, and the “hustle and bustle” of life can all turn our eyes away from the Lord. In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will continue to speak on the only form of structure that brings peace and order to a society. Like all things, Jesus must be at the center! He is the only one who can “calm the storms” of life, and bring true peace. Have you devoted your life, and all of its stressors, to Jesus today?
How do we know which government system is the best? Where did America’s ideals come from, and is there any guidance in Scripture for best practices? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will help answer these questions as he studies the example that was set for us by Joseph in the land of Egypt in Genesis 47. For every question in life, the Bible serves as the best resource for where to turn. The Lord continued to use Joseph throughout his life, who served as a model for leadership. What is your source of information? Who do you allow to speak deepest into your life? God wants Him and His Word to be your example!
Today, Pastor Mark will speak on the special bond that Joseph had with his family, and how this relationship led to greater blessing. In the same way, a relationship with Jesus always leads to blessing, most notably eternal life! There is only one team that brings ultimate joy, and that is God’s team! Because of God’s provision, Joseph had earned great favor in Eqypt, which then allowed his family to reap some benefits. Because of Jesus, we are able to join the Lord’s family and reap the benefit of Salvation. Have you made the decision to follow Jesus today? He wants you to be in His family!
How encouraging it is to know that God is always at work in our lives, even when we don’t understand the meaning! In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will walk listeners through the reunion between Jacob and his son, Joseph. After many years separated, what joy Jacob must have felt to see his son again! For many Christ followers, it may be easy to look back over the course of life and see God’s hand moving, even when we weren't aware. The Bible is filled with stories that speak of the Lord redeeming difficult situations. How can you put greater trust in Him today? You can rest in the truth that His ways are good!
Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s too good to be true?” While this is not necessarily a motto to live by, as Christ's followers we can be reminded to filter all things through our leading by the Holy Spirit. When Jacob was presented with a wonderful offer in Genesis 46, he first made sure it was of the Lord. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage listeners to routinely filter their lives through God’s will. The enemy wants to distract and lure believers away from the Lord. Blessing does come with a life following after God, but it is still important to remain in tune with the Holy Spirit so that you know it is Him!
Can we trust that God is truly orchestrating everything justly? Joseph was badly mistreated by his brothers, but ultimately, God used the situation for good. It can be easy to view the world through our eyes and make judgments about how things should and shouldn’t be. God wants us to simply trust in Him! In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will highlight the redemption that was made between Joseph and his family, and how this set the stage for Israel moving forward. Examples like this only confirm that God’s hand is at work, even when we don’t understand the means! How can you better trust His plan today?
How does the story of Joseph and his brothers relate to God and His chosen nation of Israel? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will help answer this question, and unpack all of the similarities. The Old Testament is filled with stories that point to Jesus. We are encouraged to read the Scriptures with this in mind! Joseph was thrilled to reunite with his family and could see God’s hand at work in the situation, even though he was wronged. Have you been mistreated? God is in control of all things, and He wants to use ALL situations for His purpose. Ask the Lord to soften your heart to forgive, and show you His plans!
The feeling of guilt, or regret, can be present even in the moments when we know that we are not at fault. The consequences of sin can linger and affect our mindset. For Joseph’s brothers, who had betrayed him, they had to feel concerned when they were called to be investigated! Today, Pastor Mark will highlight this story in Genesis 44, and share how it may relate to our world today, particularly the Israel nation. We can be encouraged that even when we turn our back on the Lord, He still pursues us. Are you in a right standing before Almighty God, or do you need to seek forgiveness from Him today?
When someone is sinning, it is the believer's job to point it out and talk them through how to walk with Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that we must be loving to others by sharing the gospel with them. The world is trying to shut down the church but if we stand firm on truth, God’s love will prevail. We can have confidence because God promises that we are set apart through Him. Even though we sin, God’s love remains the same. You are accepted by the king of the universe. Next time you are scared to share the gospel, remember, that God has given you the power to share. Without you, His name won’t be spread.
When we do wrong against our parents, it can be easy to say “Man, they will never forgive me.” In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that even when we fail, God still loves us the same. He wants us to come back to Him so that He can show us what true love looks like. He wants people to run to Him constantly. Next time you do something wrong remember, God loves you. He is a forgiving and holy God worthy of praise. He died on the cross for you and me and has given us eternal life through Him. Even when you choose other things, He still pursues you because He wants a relationship with you. Trust in God today!
The saying goes “Patience is a virtue.” It can be so easy to be impatient but patience will always win out. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that God is not rushed, He will do what He needs to do in His timing. When we look at Joseph’s life, we see that he is patient and the Lord provides everything that he needs. When we are in a hard time it can be really easy to blame God and say He isn’t doing enough. The reality is that He’s put you in that situation for a reason. He is shaping and molding you into His plan for your life. Next time you are in a hard situation remember that God has your back. He is with you always.
It’s hard to forgive sometimes. Oftentimes times we will hold anger and frustration against someone for a long time. Today, Pastor Mark says that we need to stop being upset at one another and love each other with compassion. Jesus showed forgiveness on the cross for our sins even though we wronged Him. The next time someone wrongs you, you should forgive them just as Christ forgave you. You see, without Christ, you are weak and frail but He will give you the strength to forgive all. When you forgive you are showing others the heart of a true and loving God. One that knows no wrongs and loves unconditionally.
Even in our toughest times, God is there. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that though Joseph was in the pits, in the end, God brought him out of it because he trusted God’s plan. Though Joseph was in a hard time, he knew that God was going to bring him through and God rewarded his faith by making him Chief. When you trust God, you are able to have immense hope in times of trial. God will bring you through the pit that you are in. Sometimes God will put you in the pit to make you stronger. Next time you are in a trial have hope that God is right by your side. He loves you and is walking with you every step of the way.
When we hear from God and follow His guidance, people will start to wonder why we are so confident in who we are. Today, Pastor Mark says that Joseph was set apart by God so that Pharaoh would see that He was different than the rest. Pharaoh brought in a lot of other people to interpret his dream but they all failed. When you trust in God, He can guide you through anything. He wants to be your rock in hard times. Pharaoh tried to bring others in, but they all failed because they were not of God but rather trusting in their own strengths. Trusting God allows Him to give you hope even when you don’t see it and you will stand out.
Have you ever been in a position where you could determine someone's future? In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that if you are a believer you have been in that position. You see, we have the ability to determine life and death for someone. If they do not hear the gospel, they will spend eternity without God. When we share the gospel, we allow God to do what He wants with their life. Your job as a believer is to share the gospel with everyone. You are dealing with a matter of eternal life with the Father or not. When you share the gospel, people are given the choice to follow or not and He is able to start a change in their life.
Sometimes looking toward the future is scary, especially when we don’t know what’s coming next. In today’s message, Pastor Mark says that we must depend on God and His plan for us rather than our own. When we depend on God we are able to be free from the stresses of the world even when we are in the pit. God is shaping and molding you to be the person that you’re meant to be. When we trust God, we can live freely knowing that whatever we do is part of His will for us. Next time you come to a hardship, be reminded that you are being molded by God and He will provide a way out. He loves you and wants what’s best for you.
Do you think about the fact that God is always watching you? It can seem creepy, but it’s only really uncomfortable if you’re doing things you shouldn’t be doing. If you’re living with purity and integrity when the doors are closed, then God always watching you can be a comfort. He knows you and still loves you. In his message today, Pastor Mark will challenge you to live your life like God is actually there in the room with you. Don’t try to hide from God. He’s everywhere and sees everything. Live your life in the open; walk in the light. God wants to be with you, not to punish you for sinning, but to walk by your side and help you.
Who are you when no one is watching? In his message today, Pastor Mark will challenge you to be honest with yourself and with God. He’ll look at the life of Joseph who could have gotten away with so much when he was in charge of Potiphar’s household, but Joseph knew he would be sinning against God. If you think God isn’t watching, you’re wrong. You’re not fooling Him. Are you taking time off at work that no one knows about? Are you looking at things on your phone that you shouldn’t? Don’t try to hide who you are from God. You have sin in your life that God wants to deal with. Walk in the light, as God is in the light.
Have you ever asked God to put you through hardship, pain, and struggle, so that He can build you up? Of course not! Who would ever ask to be put through pain in life? However, if you’re a runner or an athlete, you put yourself through pain as you train to be your best. God wants you to be the best disciple you can be. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you to look at the difficult times in your life in a new light. Remember that God wants to refine you in the fire so that you come out pure. The fire won’t feel good at all, but God’s goal is to make you more like Jesus. Pain isn’t God punishing you; it’s Him making you better.
Are you guarding yourself against sin? It’s so easy to let down your guard. You may think you have it all under control. You may think you’re a strong person, but the Bible shows that even the most devout believers can give in to a moment of weakness. Jesus cleansed you of your sin, don’t let yourself get dirty again. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to protect yourself from temptation. King David let himself be in a place where there would be temptation. Don’t do that. You don’t have to trust in your own strength. Why put yourself in a situation where you know you will be tempted to sin? Keep on your guard.
Are you influencing the non-believers around you or are they influencing you? Being in the world, but not of the world is such a tricky thing. You are called to be a friend of sinners like Jesus was, but are the sinners causing you to sin? It’s a fine line to walk. Are you letting your hands get stained by the sin of the world, or are you shining the light of Jesus into the darkness? In his message today, Pastor Mark is looking at a story from the life of Judah, and how he let himself be led astray by worldly friends. You can have non-believing friends that you are trying to bring to God, but do you have an inner circle of friends that you confide in and are pushing you to walk a faithful, God-honoring life?
Do you let fear take control of you? When trouble comes your way, do you think the worst is going to happen? Don’t give in to despair. God will take care of you. Giving into pessimism can lead you down a road of hopelessness. You don’t know what’s going to happen, but you do know that your God loves you. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you that God is in control. You can trust in God. He has been faithful in the past time and time again. He will be faithful again. God only wants the best for you. Don’t let your emotions take control of you. Fear is from the enemy. Walk in faith that God will get you through.
Are you going through the motions of being a Christian? Do you have your good Christian mask on? You know the right words to say and how to act that makes it look like you’re a good, faithful Jesus follower, but in reality your heart's not in it? God doesn’t want you to look good; He wants your heart to be fully committed. In his message today, Pastor Mark will have you take a look at your life and be honest with yourself. Are you being faithful to God in your heart? God doesn’t want you to do a lot of great works and not be in love with Him. You can raise your hands and sing at the top of your lungs, but God wants your devotion to be truly deep.
Wow, that is really challenging, isn’t it? Do you agree with the policies of the current president? Have you ever had a boss who mistreated you and was hard to respect? How do you treat authority when you don’t agree with them? Our society doesn’t show a lot of respect for authority, but Christians have a higher call. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to respect all authority that God has put you under. The Bible is very clear that God put those authorities in place, so if you’re rebelling against that authority, you’re really rebelling against God. It may be extremely difficult but trust that God is the one who is in control.
Do you honor God in the difficult times of your life? That is such a revealing question! How do you act when you are truly tested? It’s easy to thank God when you are blessed with abundance and happiness in life, but do you thank Him when the blessings are scarce? When you aren’t succeeding, do you cut corners to get ahead? In his message today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to honor God in the good and bad times, when the sun is shining on you and when the rain is pouring down. God may use the fire to test you perfect you and form you into a better disciple. Be a person of integrity and honor and of love for the Lord at all times.
Do you believe that you can overcome whatever challenges stand before you in life? With God, we know that all things are possible and that He empowers us to be victorious! No matter how difficult it may seem to do more than just “get by,” God wants you to turn to Him for the strength to overcome! Today, Pastor Mark will speak to the powerful transformation in Jacob’s life, and how we can learn from it. The enemy wants to identify you by your challenging situations, but God wants to deliver you! May we fix our eyes less on our problems, and more on the King who empowers us to overcome them all!
How hard is it to wait for God’s guidance? We often want answers now, and mistakenly can take situations into our own hands. Sometimes, the Lord simply wants us to wait and trust in Him. Throughout history, God has orchestrated the lives of many according to His will and according to His timing. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will continue to unpack Jacob’s walk with the Lord. Even some of the most revered characters in the Bible struggled with waiting on God at times. What a blessing it is to have their examples, recorded in God’s Word so that we might learn from and apply these principles to our life.
Have you given everything in your life over to God? He wants to supply and sustain you, and even more so, He wants to know you! When we are called to follow Christ, He wants us to surrender all to Him. The temptation from the enemy is to keep some back so that we can still control parts of our own lives. Today, Pastor Mark will examine the maturing process that took place in Jacob, and how his offering to the Lord was a beautiful symbol for us. It isn’t easy to surrender everything to Him, but as we go through life and experience moments where He is in control, we learn that is the sweet spot to be in every single time!
The Lord desires for us to be in fellowship with one another, and to worship Him together. There are many benefits to being involved in the local church. Because of this, the enemy is quick to steer you away or justify reasons not to go. It is healthy to consider if your church involvement has been consistent. Today, Pastor Mark will encourage listeners to evaluate their relationship with God and identify signs if it may not be where it should be. Even in Genesis, The Lord was calling Jacob back to the House of God. May we be sensitive to the same tugs in our spirit - to know when God is speaking or calling us back to Him.
A common misconception is that Spiritual works are what determine one’s eternity. The reality is that only through a true relationship with God, can one be saved. It is about a heart change first, which then leads to actions. Have you turned your heart towards God, or are you merely checking some boxes? In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will continue to look at the life of Jacob and the lessons that we can learn from it. It is common for habits and traditions to help foster a community of Godliness. However, they should never come before what is most important - a relationship with Jesus Christ, in His Word, and in prayer!
Do you have a good pulse on what is filling your child’s heart, mind, and time today? They are surrounded by so many distractions and the enemy wants nothing more than for parents to leave them alone. We must be vigilant to combat the enemy’s attempts to steal the hearts of our kids in a fallen world! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge parents to be engaged with their children. We cannot afford to be unaware of what is before our kids’ eyes! Don’t be swayed by the pressure of others to just let children do whatever they want. God has appointed parents this important role for a reason!
Isn’t it incredible that the God of the universe doesn’t just reluctantly welcome us in, but He genuinely desires us? As humans, we love to be cherished, valued and pursued. No matter what you have done, the Lord is running after you with open arms to welcome you “home” in relationship with Him. In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will look at Jacob and Esau, and how their reunion is an example of Christ’s heart towards us. Broken relationships can be hard to mend, but God’s grace extends far beyond all sin. Let’s take on the nature of Christ, and passionately pursue restoration with those in our lives!
Have you ever overcome a difficult situation? Odds are you have! However, at the same time, odds are that you’re going to face another tough situation, and it may be even worse! These types of things are all a part of life. In fact, Jesus even tells us of this in His word. Today, Pastor Mark is going to be sharing a message with us that reminds us of one of the most difficult things God brought His people through. As we read through these scriptures we can be reminded that God is always in the business of working in the midst of trial; therefore, we can stand firm that He will do it again!
Have you ever met someone who no matter how sick they got, or how bad things in their life were going, they never acted like anything was wrong? Sometimes we even look at those people and wish we were able to go through trauma like that, but oftentimes those types of people end up reaching a breaking point! In today’s message, Pastor Mark is going to be talking about people who continue to blow through life acting as if they are stronger than God in every circumstance. The truth is, God wants us to come and surrender every situation and say “Lord, I can’t do this on my own. Would you please come and help me.”
Just like seasons are a part of each calendar year, they are also a part of our lives. At some point, we will all face difficulty, and at other times we will face victory! This is no surprise to God. In fact, even in the Bible, His word tells us that in our lives we will face trouble, but to take heart because He has overcome the world! In today’s message, Pastor Mark is going to be sharing with us a story that we can all closely relate to. Whether we’re on a mountaintop or down in a valley right now, these words still reign true. Just like the times of the year, this is only a temporary season, and God promises that a new season will come!
Have you ever felt comfortable in life having almost everything you needed when all of a sudden you felt a strong pull to go somewhere else? Or have you ever had a situation where you were invited somewhere and you only wanted to go if one of your friends was going as well? These two situations are very similar to what we’re going to be talking about today. In our message, Pastor Mark is going to be talking about Jacob. Jacob was in a comfortable situation; however, God called him to go elsewhere, and he didn’t want to go unless God was with Him. It was then that God assured him of his calling and Jacob realized that if God was with Him, He had everything he would ever need.
Have you ever found yourself enjoying life and living comfortably when suddenly everything starts to feel like it’s crumbling below you? It’s a scary feeling to suddenly not have that security we once did, but what if I told you that sometimes the only way God is able to work in our lives is by bringing change to them? Today, Pastor Mark is going to be sharing a message with us where He talks about the uncomfortable times in life. This can mean job changes, sudden loss of a loved one, financial changes, and so many other things. The truth is, when we feel most uncomfortable, we cling to God and find Him the most!
Mowing the yard. Running kids to practice. Washing dishes. Raking leaves. Folding laundry. All of these seem like daily tasks to me, not really defined as work. Because when I think of work I think of employment. Not so with God. Pastor Mark reminds us today that everything we do, whether big or small, is to be done with care and thoroughness.
Laban, Jacob’s father-in-law, wasn’t a believer. But, he did have the sense to recognize a good thing when he saw it. Actually, it was Jacob and Laban didn’t want to lose him. Want to know why? It comes down to two words that Pastor Mark explains today as work ethic. Did you know that how well and hard you work is a testament to the name of Jesus? Take a moment to reflect on what your work is saying about you. Whether you’re working remotely or physically driving to your workplace, what you do and how you do it is noticed by others! Don’t think for one moment that a good work ethic doesn’t matter.
Four wives. Numerous sons. Working for a dishonest man. All because of Jacob’s decision to engage in deceit. You might think this is a pretty hefty consequence, but I contest that sin is heavier. God has a reason for His actions and we see this playing out in Leah and Rachel’s sprint to win Jacob’s favor as Pastor Mark explains today. Will you view your life experiences and situations as workouts in faith-building? Your trust in Jesus will only get stronger. Because we have an all-knowing God that doesn’t leave us. We can expect to experience His goodness if we’ve turned away from our wrongdoing. That’s what God’s promised you and I.
What a rivalry we hear about from Pastor Mark today! Two women fighting for their man to notice them. This isn’t anything new. But there IS something in Jacob’s story that we can learn. Despite the mess we find ourselves in because of our sins, God works everything together for our good and HIS GLORY! Remember that only through repentance, spiritual wrestling, and submission to God will we experience His blessings and the secret to true happiness. Will you go to Jesus first, before you try to look for love from someone else? Friends, if we can do this then I daresay our mess can be supernaturally organized enough to live in.
Sin usually has consequences in some way or another. Jacob’s sin was deceit and in a chain of events, he lived with polygamy. He was married to two sisters, Rachel and Leah. Can you imagine? How they battled for his love, affection, and time is weird. They had a baby race as Pastor Mark tells us today. I want to leave you with some food for thought. What are your steps to attaining love? Do you base it on emotion? Or does it grow and develop because you’ve accepted that God has a reason for what He does? Leah had to learn this. And maybe we all need to depend on God MORE than others for the love we seek.
You reap what you sow, but if if you don’t sow anything, then all you’ll have to reap are weeds. If you’ve ever seen a garden that was left untended for long enough, then you know that sometimes it’s almost impossible to ever realize it was even a garden at all. If you ever want to see it bear fruit again, you’re going to have to put on some gloves and get out there and start pulling. In today’s message, Pastor Mark encourages you to take stock of what seeds you’re planting in your life and relationships. Are you sowing seeds of love and kindness? Or are you allowing the weeds bitterness and ill content to overrun your life and relationships?
Water is essential to all life. The earth is made up of two-thirds water. The human body is made up of two-thirds water. Without water, all life on earth would cease to exist. Plants need water to grow. People and animals need water to drink. We don’t just need any water, but it’s vital that the water we drink is clean and free of anything that would cause us harm. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you about a parallel between the physical water that your body needs, and the spiritual water that’s necessary for the life of your soul. What well are you drawing water for your soul from? Is the well you drawing from pure, life-giving water?
Do you know that feeling when you just close your eyes for a “second” and when you wake up your world has completely been changed? It was daylight when you started and suddenly it seems that hours have gone by and twilight has set in. It can really shake you up, but you know what? The world doesn’t stop when you do. The clock keeps ticking and the earth keeps spinning. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you that God never stops working. Even if you’re not aware of what He’s doing and even if you’re asleep, spiritually speaking - God’s always at work. He’s always doing something. Sometimes you just need to open your eyes.
Have you ever tried so hard at something and realized that you were just way over your head? Maybe this is a little silly, but imagine trying to fly by flapping your arms. It’s ridiculous right? You can flap as much as you want, and you can train and condition and develop your technique, but you’re never going to fly. It’s just not Going to Happen. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches you that religion is no replacement for a right relationship with God. You can practice piety ‘til you’re blue in the face, you can sell everything you have to the poor, and do good deeds to everyone you cross paths with - but it will never make you right with God.
Are you exhausted from the relentless burden of carrying the heavy load of your past mistakes and regrets, as if shackled to a never-ending chain of sorrow? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how there are two different types of sorrow: Godly sorrow, and worldly sorrow, and how one will set you free. Worldly sorrow makes you feel guilty, ashamed, or simply fear the consequences. Godly sorrow, on the other hand, is a transformative power that brings growth and renewal. When you embrace Godly sorrow, you acknowledge your wrongdoings with genuine remorse, seeking forgiveness and a change of heart.
In a fast-paced world, it's all too easy to get caught up in the noise of daily life, chasing temporary pleasures and material gains. Everything is fighting for your attention so that it can control your life. But, as Pastor Mark talks about in today’s message, your main focus in life needs to be on the Lord. The Scriptures remind us that when we seek first the Kingdom of God, all else falls into place. By making our spiritual walk with the Lord the top priority, we discover an unwavering source of strength, hope, and love that sustains us through life's challenges. When you place your faith in Him, He will provide.
Are you tired of being led astray by your emotions? Do you feel like you are being pulled in two different directions - what you feel you should do, and what the Lord calls you do to? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how feeling will deceive you, and that you should anchor your life on the foundation of the Lord. How often have we let our feelings dictate our decisions, only to find ourselves adrift in a sea of doubt and confusion? The Scriptures warn us that our hearts can be deceptive, leading us astray from the path of righteousness. But fear not, for the Lord's Word is a beacon of light in the darkness.
Are you seeking guidance on how to navigate life's complex decisions? While God calls us to obey all authority, there is one exception. In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how you need to obey all authority, except for when the authority is demanding you turn your back on the Lord. We are human, and at times, the directions given by those in power may diverge from God's will. It is during these crucial moments that we must seek His discernment and courageously stand for what is right, just, and aligned with His divine plan. At the end of the day, you must align yourself with the path of the Lord.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the book of Genesis, he’ll be challenging you to spend intimate time with the Lord on a daily basis. Living in this world is difficult, the only way you can properly serve the Lord is by being in the Word and in prayer along with fellowshipping with other Christians. When people encounter you, do they sense the Spirit of the Lord? When you open your mouth and speak, is it seasoned with grace? You should stand out as a bright light in this very dark and wicked world. Don’t allow the enemy to mold you into another hypocritical Christian. Be molded into the image of Jesus!
Today, Pastor Mark will be encouraging you to serve the Lord with your children and to allow them to see God working in and through your life. Children mostly catch the Bible from their parents, not always by being taught. You have to practice what you preach so that your kids don’t think hypocrisy is normal. One of the most angering things to the Lord is religious hypocrisy. The Lord would rather you be honest about your shortcomings, seek His help, and be cleansed than put on a mask and hide your sin. When you fall, run to the Lord and ask for His power and strength to move forward.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series, he’ll be reminding you that it’s the kindness of God that draws men unto repentance. Yes, for some, it’s the fear of Hell and the fear of God’s punishment that gets their attention, but ultimately it’s God’s kindness that causes people to repent and be saved. Don’t allow the enemy to influence you to hit people over the head with the Bible, because that's a good way to cause people to withdraw from you. When you preach the Gospel, always remember that people don’t care what you know, until they know you care.
Today, Pastor Mark will be challenging you to seek after the Lord when trials come your way, running from your problems is not the answer. As a Christian, you have the power of the Holy Spirit to get you through all aspects of this temporal life on Earth. All you have to do is cooperate with Him and follow His lead. Don’t be discouraged when you face hardships or persecutions, because Jesus Himself was persecuted and ultimately tortured and crucified. A servant is not greater than his Master, so if the world hated and persecuted Jesus, they will hate and persecute you. Always remember, God is a God of comfort and peace through it all.
Sin can feel good in the moment when you give in to it. It might even seem like the logical thing to do, and it’s definitely the easy choice to make most of the time. However, as Pastor Mark’s going to point out to you today, it always leads to regret. It leads to suffering and missing out on the blessings God has for you. God has such amazing blessings in store for you and plans to work through your life. But you have to let Him. You have to choose Him. He wants you to make the decisions daily to not give in to the pleasures of the world that go against Him so He can fully work in your life and do amazing things through you.
Everyone has a choice of what they put their focus on. Do you focus on God, or on the world? The answer is simple in words but can be more difficult than we think in deeds. Today, Pastor Mark is going to show you the example of two brothers who each chose differently for themselves, and what happened as a result. To choose God as the focus of your life over the world is a life of blessing and joy: a joy the world can’t take away. When you focus on the world, you’ll always be in want and always in search of something to fill the void you feel that only God can fill. He’s the one Source of joy that’s eternal and never fades.
When God makes you a promise, He’s going to keep it. He made a promise to Abraham, as you’ll see today with Pastor Mark, that Abraham’s son Isaac would be the father of the nation of Israel. Even when God tested Abraham’s faithfulness to Him to see if he would kill Isaac if he was commanded to, Abraham didn’t fail. No matter what, Abraham trusted God. Despite odds that seem impossible, God proved Himself faithful to Abraham because Abraham didn’t waver in his faith. And just like with Abraham, God will stay faithful to you if you guard your heart and keep your focus and your faith in God in your life, too.
Even when God’s will isn’t clear at the moment, when you put your trust in Him that He’ll work through whatever situation you’re in, you have nothing to fear. He’ll never leave you alone to fight your battles. All He wants is for you to stay faithful to Him, so He can be faithful to you, too, and work in and through your life. When you keep your focus on God, there’s nothing you have to fear. When you’re spiritually weak, look to Him. When your finances begin to worry you, look to Him. When your relationships are failing, grow in your relationship with Him. Today, Pastor Mark’s going to encourage you to keep your eyes on God.
Do you know that as Christians, we are called the bride of Christ? Thats right! In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how Jesus loves us so much that He came to earth to take us as His bride. He died on the cross and rose again three days later so that we could be with Him forever in heaven. Just like a bride prepares herself for her wedding day, you too should be preparing yourself for the day when we will be with our Savior. You should be living our lives in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His name. As the bride of Christ, you have a beautiful and eternal love story with our Savior.
Do you ever feel like serving the Lord is a chore? Like you're just going through the motions without truly feeling it in your heart? Truth is, as Pastor Mark details in today’s message, we are called to serve the Lord with a good heart. It's not enough to just do the right thing; we must do it with the right attitude as well. In fact, the Bible says that it's not obedient if you do something with a bad heart. So how can you cultivate a heart that is joyful and willing to serve? It starts with prayer and seeking God's will. When you align your heart with God's, you can serve with joy and purpose. You can serve not out of obligation, but out of love for your Savior.
Are you tired of constantly feeling like you're compromising your faith in your relationships? Do you feel like your current relationship is pulling you away from God? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how as Christians, we are called to be equally yoked with our partners, which means we should date Christians. Dating a nonbeliever can lead to challenges and temptations that can ultimately pull us away from God. You might find yourself in situations where you feel like you have to compromise your faith to keep your partner happy. That’s why God calls us to have relationships with believers so that we can build each other up in faith.
When we run to the Lord in prayer, we can find comfort and peace in His loving presence. He understands our struggles and our pain, and He offers us His unconditional love and support. When we turn to Him, we can find the strength to face whatever challenges come our way. He will provide for us when we run to Him! Are you feeling overwhelmed by your emotions? When life's challenges seem too much to bear, it can be easy to lose hope. But, as Pastor Mark talks about in today’s message, as Christians, we have a source of strength that can help us overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Are you feeling like you've got everything figured out when it comes to your faith? It's easy to fall into the trap of pride, thinking that we know all there is to know about God and our relationship with Him. But, as Pastor Mark talks about in today’s message, there is always more to learn, and that’s where humility comes in. Humility is key to growing in our walk with the Lord. When we approach Him with a humble heart, we open ourselves up to His teachings and His love. We recognize that we don't have all the answers, and we're willing to learn from the wisdom of others. It's only when we set aside our own pride that we can truly grow in our faith.
Are you afraid of dying? Does the thought of death bring anxiety? For many of us, the thought of dying can be a scary one. But, as Pastor Mark talks about in today’s message, as Christians, we have a promise that can give us peace in the face of death. When you leave this earth, you won't experience death, but instead, you’ll be with the Lord forever. Death is not something to fear, but rather something to look forward to. You can have peace knowing that you’ll spend eternity in the presence of our Savior. Jesus has already defeated death on our behalf!
Are you feeling like you have it all together? Like you don't need anyone or anything to complete you? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how no matter how good of a person you may think you are, you still need Christ. No matter how successful or put-together we may seem on the outside, we need Christ. Maybe you're thinking that you don't need Christ because you're doing just fine on your own. But let me tell you, friend, there's always more. More love, more joy, more peace. And it's all found in Christ. So don't wait any longer. Don't miss out on the incredible life that's waiting for you in Christ.
Are you feeling lost or unsure of your purpose? Do you feel like you're just going through the motions of life without any real direction? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how chasing after God isn’t a one-time event, it is a lifelong commitment that will give us a greater purpose. Many of us spend our lives chasing after things that ultimately leave us feeling empty inside. You pursue careers, relationships, and possessions, thinking that they will bring you happiness and fulfillment, only to find that they don't. But when you seek God, you discover joy and contentment that can't be found anywhere else.
Are you feeling vulnerable in these uncertain times? Do you need protection and security? Do you get anxious when things aren’t going your way? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how the Lord is our protector. He has already defeated death, and so no matter what we are dealing with, He has already won. The world can be a scary place. But know that the Lord is always with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. When we trust in Him, we find safety and protection. He is our shield and our defender. When we face difficulties and challenges, we may feel weak and vulnerable, but we don't have to be afraid.
Are you feeling vulnerable in these uncertain times? Do you need protection and security? Do you get anxious when things aren’t going your way? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about how the Lord is our protector. He has already defeated death, and so no matter what we are dealing with, He has already won. The world can be a scary place. But know that the Lord is always with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. When we trust in Him, we find safety and protection. He is our shield and our defender. When we face difficulties and challenges, we may feel weak and vulnerable, but we don't have to be afraid.
Our heroes of the faith are not without their own shortcomings! In today’s message from Pastor Mark, he explains to you that even the best heroes within the Bible still had their own battles that they had to deal with. All of them had to grow in their faith. None of them had an easy button that they could hit! They had to trust in God. Pastor Mark understands that sometimes it can be hard to step out and trust God in every area of our lives. But what God has called you to do, you can do it. He has everything that you need in Him to be empowered to do what He’s called you to. Listen to what God is asking of you, be obedient, and step out in faith!
Are you waiting for the Lord to move in your life? Today you learn from Pastor Mark about God’s perfect timing. Sometimes when we’re waiting for our promises from God to be fulfilled, it can seem like it’s taking a lifetime. But be encouraged, God is faithful. What He has promised to you, will come to pass. Pastor Mark encourages you to be patient, longsuffering, and dependent upon the Lord. God will get you to where you need to go. He doesn’t give you His desires for them to be ignored. In the proper time, He will bring you a harvest. Keep waiting for Him. He knows the beginning from the end and sees the entire picture.
What is the test that God is desiring for you to pass? As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he urges you to take the time necessary to study, learn, and grow in the things that God has for you. Our God is an excellent teacher who is patient! If there are tests in your life that you’ve failed, He will give you another chance. Pastor Mark explains that Jesus is the best at extending second chances. He will come alongside you and will help you to accomplish the task that He has for you. Ask Him for His help, strength, and perseverance to pass the tests that He has for you. He is your Helper and will guide you. Lean on Him for empowerment.
The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. In today’s message from Pastor Mark, you learn about the tactics of Satan. He teaches you to better understand the difference between God’s voice and the voice of the enemy. Don’t be fooled, Satan wants to take you out! He desires to blow out your light for the Lord. The enemy is called the Father of Lies. Everything that comes from His mouth is a twisted, deceptive version of what God’s Word says. Jesus says that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Make sure you’re following His voice and example, and not Satan’s. Speak the truth in love and follow the leading of God.
Do you ever think that you’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes as your parents? Ruth was such an amazing example of a life redeemed from her heritage. She turned and repented the lifestyle of her ancestors and gave her life to God, and she is counted in the lineage of King David and our Savior, Jesus Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you by reminding you that it’s not too late. You don’t have to repeat your parents' sins. God wants to raise you out of that life; He wants to use you to further His kingdom. Don’t beat yourself up because of your past. Look to the future that God has in store for you.
Have you ever struggled with depression? Have you felt like you may never feel true joy again? Depression can lead you down into a dark hole, and often we look to things like alcohol and other addictions to get us out of that hole. The problem is they only dig you down deeper. The answer is found in God. In his message today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to find your hope in God; through His word and by putting on the garment of praise. When you take time to focus on the promises of God found in the scriptures and praise God for all He’s done, you will be turning your focus from your troubles to God’s love for you.
Do you ever find yourself thinking back on the sinfulness of your life before Christ? Do you find yourself longing for some of what your flesh and the world has to offer? This is a dangerous and slippery slope. The world has nothing for us. All that is good comes from God’s hands. Focus your heart on His goodness. In his message today, Pastor Mark will remind you to not look back. You may think your sin was pleasurable, and not that bad, but you’re forgetting that it was empty and leads to death. God has a much more abundant, fulfilling life in store for you. Don’t look back; look ahead to the kingdom where God is leading you.
What’s stopping you from stepping out in faith? Are you worried you’ll mess it up? Have you thought about sharing your faith, but you’re afraid you will trip over your words and make a fool out of yourself? God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, and He is the God of second, third, and fourth changes. Trust in Him. Today in his message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to take a risk. Life is messy. It’s ok. If you step out in faith, you may mess up, but God will go with you. You’re not on your own. God can take your broken, ugly mess and make something beautiful out of it. Take your eyes off your shortcomings and focus on God.
Do you ever feel like you’re living an ordinary life; that you’re just going through the motions every day? What if God is calling you to something greater? An exciting, adventurous, abundant life? God wants you to leave the valley living and answer his call to join Him on the mountaintop where you’ll be in His presence. In his message today, Pastor Mark will inspire you to live a life that’s not just focused on your own personal everyday struggles. God wants you to leave your self-centered life and live a life that’s wholeheartedly devoted to Him. Living on the mountaintop may not sound as safe as valley living, but it is much more rewarding.
It is really difficult for us to live a Godly life in this world. We are frequently distracted, whether at work or in our relationships, which throws us off track. Even the enemy brings trials and difficulties into our lives, and we frequently seek assistance from others rather than God. Even in our society, we fail to glorify God or serve as role models for others. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains how you can be a role model for Jesus by living a life that God desires. There are people around us who are not aware of Jesus and are on their way to God's judgment. How can you lead those around you to know Jesus and be saved?
What a powerful statement by Pastor Mark! We have friends and people in our circle who are critical of Jesus and Christianity. We frequently encounter such people and face such negativity in order to fulfill our worldly needs, and we end up just listening to them. What are your options? Pastor Mark tells you how to confront people who have negative attitudes toward Jesus and inform them of the consequences of their sins in today's message. God loves everyone and wants to deliver them from the clutches of sin. God desires that you intervene and bring them back to Jesus so that they may change their hearts and be saved!
We, humans, have a compromising nature. Be it at work, where we frequently end up taking on work from our bosses despite having plenty of our own, or in a relationship, where we frequently sacrifice our spouse's happiness for our own. We even jeopardize our relationship with God by attending church on Sundays and then returning to our worldly ways the rest of the week. Pastor Mark explains today how you can stop compromising your relationship with God and begin living a Godly life. When you attend church and begin to experience conviction, you begin to change your life choices in accordance with what God desires.
What a powerful statement by Pastor Mark! In our daily lives, we as humans do fall into the trap of sin. The enemy is constantly on the lookout for ways to bring us down. Even as Christians, we make mistakes and sin takes hold of us. However, as a result of the Holy Spirit's conviction, we tend to return to God and seek forgiveness for our sins. But what about those who are unaware of the Gospel's good news? How can we help them? Pastor Mark explains in today's message how you can pray and intercede for people in your life who are unaware of Jesus and ask God to forgive their sins. How can you save others from the trap of sin?
We all enjoy pointing fingers. Be it at work, where we try to blame our mistakes on our coworkers, or in a relationship, where we accuse our partners while refusing to accept our own faults. Even as believers, we can begin to blame God and His judgment power as unfair. Is this, however, true? Today, Pastor Mark explains how God's judgment is just. You may begin to believe that God has no idea how difficult it is for a human to be sinless. However, God sent His only begotten son, Jesus, to this world to live among us. He also gave His life on the cross in order for your sins to be forgiven. God’s judgment is righteous and merciful!
We, humans, are not without flaws. We all make mistakes and end up in difficult situations, whether at work or in relationships. Even though we are not perfect, we like to think of ourselves as such. But how much perfection does God demand of us, and how can we attain it? Pastor Mark explains in today's message how you can achieve perfection in God's eyes by being sinless. However, because we are all born sinners, being sinless can be difficult. Accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour and repenting of your sins is the only way to be perfect in God's eyes. Only then will God consider you righteous and without any flaws.
You can’t really blame Sarah for laughing at God’s promise to give her a child in her old age. It just seemed outlandish to imagine that she could have a baby. But her laughter was the symptom of a lack of faith. It came from the same distrust that led her and Abraham to devise their own plans and bear a child through their maidservant Hagar. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to ask yourself if you lack faith in any area of your life. You likely have a tendency to downplay it - we all do - but if you’re going to be all in for God, even the smallest stronghold of doubt can grow into a wall that keeps you from following Him fully.
Whether you’re a young person with seemingly boundless energy or you’re advanced in years and just getting out of bed in the morning is sometimes a challenge - God wants to use you. Your weakness can become His strength when you submit yourself fully and trust Him to provide the strength and ability you need. As Pastor Mark continues our study of the book of Genesis in today’s message, he’ll remind us that Abraham and Sarah were extremely old by today’s standards. The things God called them seemed impossible. They laughed out loud at the idea of having a child at their age - but God would not let them down.
Our children are watching us way more than we realize. It’s not just what you say directly to them in those rare moments you find to offer them life advice - they hear every word that comes out of your mouth and see every little thing you do or don’t do - even if it seems like they’re not paying attention. In today’s message, as Pastor Mark continues our study of the book of Genesis, he’ll challenge us to be God-focused parents. Make God a priority for the sake of your own soul - as well as your kids. You can’t choose for them or make them follow Jesus, but if they see you doing it faithfully, they’re much more likely to follow.
The most important relationship you’ll ever have is your relationship with God. Yet, how often do we put it dead last in our lives? If you have time, you’ll pray later… maybe you can squeeze a passage of Scripture in there too. Nine out of ten times, you forget and then you wonder why God feels distant and silent. The truth is, God is never far away and He always wants to speak with you. It’s us who close Him off and fill our lives with everything else. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will challenge you to put God first in your life - not second, third, or wherever He may end up on your long list of priorities.
Have you ever felt that way? Like your life must be a big cosmic joke? Maybe God is just up there watching with amusement and pleasure as you struggle along through your real-life tragedy. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will wonder if that’s how Abraham and Sarah felt as they waited for God to fulfill His promise to do the impossible in their lives. Have you ever felt that way? Like your life must be a big cosmic joke? Maybe God is just up there watching with amusement and pleasure as you struggle along through your real-life tragedy. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will wonder if that’s how Abraham and Sarah felt as they waited for God to fulfill His promise to do the impossible in their lives.
God has put influential people in your life. Whether they are positive influences or negative, you have to or get to interact with them. Many times, God has talked through people to communicate with one of His sons or daughters, and God has used difficult people to teach us patience and kindness. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you to pay attention to who you surround yourself with. Be attentive to how God may be using people in your life, even challenging people…well, to challenge you. God puts everyone in your life for a reason, to shape and mold you to look more and more like Him!
One of the best things about Jesus is He sought us out and found us in our old and sinful ways. He loved and loves us right where we are… we don’t have to do anything except let Him. The most simple yet most difficult thing for us as people is to allow Him to change our hearts, lives, and souls for the better. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to allow God to change you in remarkable ways, whether you’re a Christian or just considering this whole faith thing. The Lord wants what’s best for you, and He knows how to make it happen. All you need to do is receive what He has for you with a willing and humble heart.
Waiting… probably one of the hardest things for Christians and unbelievers is waiting. For those of us who believe in Jesus, we wait on what God has promised us. He will ALWAYS fulfill His promises but it can take some time, it’s not gonna be with the snap of your fingers, as much as we might wish it would. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you to practice some patience when the Lord gives you His Word. Sometimes we can lose faith when we have to wait, but take heart because as we see in SO many areas of the Bible, our God has never left us or gone back on His word or a promise of what's to come!
Being a Christian isn’t a one-time commitment, where we give our lives to Jesus and we are just done and get to relax. We do get to start a whole new life free from our old hurtful habits and sinful nature, but it’s a daily habit where we must turn away from our old lives and choose Jesus every moment of every day. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to seek God in your daily lives. As people, we are still going to sin and not live up to our own expectations… but God sent His Son, Jesus, so we don’t have to! He will be your strength and your courage, as He helps you make the decisions in your life.
When we look at children, we often think that they are immature and that thought would be right. In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about the gratification we have if we believe in Christ. He promises us eternal life through Him if we believe. If you invite Jesus into your life, He can and will bring you spiritual maturity. God promises gratification in the long run. He wants you to trust Him so that he can bring you joy everlasting. Spiritual maturity can only happen when you allow God in. He is calling you today to allow Him to be your hope. In a world that is so hopeless, there is only one person that can bring hope, and His name is Jesus.
Have you ever gone on a walk with someone? When we do an activity with someone, oftentimes we will get closer to them, and over time a friendship will form. Today, Pastor Mark talks about how we need to be in tune with Christ. When you are lost, you will only know what He wants from you if you believe in Him. If you are not a believer in Jesus, you may be lost and need to follow Him today. There is nothing greater than taking the step to trust Jesus with your life. He wants you to trust Him so that he can guide you through the difficulties of life. God wants you to walk with Him every day so that he can be your close friend.
The saying goes “Patience is a virtue.” It is often hard to wait for something that we so desperately want to happen. In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about God’s timing being perfect. He always gives us exactly what we need at the right moment. When we trust God’s timing and don’t force things, we realize that everything He does is for a purpose. Sometimes His timing doesn’t match with what we think and that is okay. God knows what you need and will give it to you at the appropriate time. Trust in God and you will find His way is always better.
Hearing God’s voice is something that every Christian wants. But how can we do that? Today, Pastor Mark says to hear from God we must do things that bring glory to Him. When you do that, you allow God to bring clarity to different aspects of your life. Living for Christ is something that every Christian should strive for. When you choose to do things that dishonor God, He will not speak to you because you are blatantly disobeying Him. Choosing to live a life filled with Christ will not only allow you to hear from God but also allow you to be more free in your day. When you choose to follow Christ, you are walking in His will for you.
When we are in a tough situation oftentimes it can feel like there is no way out. Today, Pastor Mark says that those are the situations we need to be in to depend on God. We need to be put in places that cause us to rely on God wholly. Without those times, we will forget how much we need Him to be our guide. When we rely on God, we are giving our life to someone who knows what's best for us. What are some ways in which you need to depend on Him today? God brings us through different seasons so that we are forced to depend on His goodness. Trusting in God will allow your life to be carefree and happier.
Did you know that you can tithe more than just finances to the Lord? You will learn in today’s message from Pastor Mark all of the various ways in which you can give to the Lord. God doesn’t desire a legalistic mindset around tithing. If anything He desires for you to model after His heart by demonstrating generosity. Tithing is shown to the Lord in many ways. Yes, one of them can be with your finances. However, God also desires for you to tithe your time and service unto Him. How can you give that to Him on a weekly basis? Also, tithing can come through dedication to other believers and relationships with them. There are so many ways to give.
Within the world’s economy, it can be easy to fall into a scarcity mindset. However, as you learn in today’s message from Pastor Mark God’s economy is not like the world’s. He has a storehouse of treasures that will never go away. The riches that the Lord provides are eternal. With Him, they will never rot or decay. Understand that in Christ, you have a rich inheritance. God will not withhold the good plans and purposes He has for you. He will not withhold from His own Son and He most definitely not withhold from you. Trust in the good and faithful promises of God. He who has promised is faithful and keeps His Word.
Whenever God asks you to take steps of faith, you will grow in your faith! As Pastor Mark explains in today’s message, God’s invitation for growth is always met with more of Him. God doesn’t ask you to challenge yourself just to leave you hanging. God will meet you where you’re at and will raise you to new heights in Him. Sometimes it can be scary to step out into a new frontier of trust and faith. But understand, that God will help you. Pastor Mark encourages you, that there’s nothing that God will call you to that He won’t be there helping to equip you. You can trust in His faithfulness, love, and leadership. Lean into His deep love for you.
How do you prevent yourself from a great fall? As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Mark, he encourages you to stay in God’s Word. Spending regular time studying the Scriptures helps to keep your faith strong in the Lord and in His truth. This helps to make you less susceptible to the enemy’s lies and tactics. Pastor Mark also encourages you, to stay plugged into Christian fellowship and a godly community. When you’re in a community, iron sharpens iron. You each help to strengthen one another's spiritual growth through prayer and the authenticity of your faith. All of these equate to a spiritual house being firm and secure.
Be careful to not participate in a carnal lifestyle. Pastor Mark reminds you in today’s message that you have been bought with a price from God. He has paid for you with the stripes upon His Son, Jesus. Therefore, live a life that seeks to please and honor Him in all that you say and do. Seek a life that brings glory to God. Pastor Mark encourages you, to take the gift of salvation you’ve been given into all of the world. And to live a life of faith, light, hope, and love. It’s too easy in this life to live according to the flesh. Ask the Lord to help you to live a life of abundant faith. Step into all of the plans and purposes God has for you!
In your walk with Jesus, do you seek to turn away from the things of this world? Do you put all of your stock in what God wants instead of what the world says? In today’s message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that only the eternal is what matters. The things of this world will soon fall away. The more that you strive to do what the world tells you to do, the less satisfied you’ll be with who you are. Let God dictate your path and be set free from the bondage that is holding you back. He is always by your side and is ready to deliver you from whatever you can’t surpass. Call on Him always and be delivered.
As Christians, it’s easy to get so caught up in what’s happening around us that we lose focus on our most important relationship of all—God. No matter how easy it may be to slowly backslide, the more you put your eyes toward Heaven, the closer to God you’ll be. Keep your gaze on Him and be saved from the world’s stresses. Your faith will never be stronger than the moment you choose to give all of your burdens to the Lord. The struggles of everyday life will always be prevalent and it’s only through God’s divine power that you can be saved. Let Him be your deliverer and rock. He wants nothing more than to be by your side during your greatest difficulties.
In your faith journey, have you maintained a time with God to remain in closeness with Him? Have you been diligent about taking time away from your day to focus on Him completely? Today, Pastor Mark wants you to know that if you want to experience all of God’s promises you need to have focused time with Him. In our busy lives it’s easy to come up with excuses to blow off time with God. Whether it’s justification by praying in our heads or simply blaming the impossible schedules of others, we all find ways to get out of our quiet time with God. Don’t let the world get to you and stay true to your commitment to dedicated time with the Lord.
In your faith, have you ever felt stagnated? Have you ever felt like you know Jesus but you don’t feel any change in your standing with Him? In today’s message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that a relationship with Jesus is a two-way street. If you want to experience all of the glorious things that God has in store, put in the work. It’s not enough to just go through the motions such as reading your Bible and going to church. What matters is making a focused effort to keep up your relationship with Him. That means staying in constant communication with Him, including Him in everything you do, and sacrificing yourself daily for His glory.
We frequently fail to seek God's guidance. As a result, we make poor decisions and find ourselves in difficult situations. Even when we are serving God, we are frequently distracted by earthly things and deviate from the path that God has set for us. Pastor Mark explains in today's message how God desires your complete devotion while serving Him. God has a plan for your life that He wants to see through. While the enemy may send you many distractions in the form of friends, earthly desires, or even family members. But you can put all of those distractions aside and make God your top priority, fully committing to His plan for us.
Even though we have our own plans and goals that we want to achieve, God has a different opinion of us. He has a brighter future plan for us that exceeds our ultimate dream. However, due to various distractions, we frequently fail to see God's plan in our lives. Something always seems to hold us back. Because the enemy does not want you to succeed, He brings distractions in the form of friends, earthly desires, and even family members. Pastor Mark tells you in today's message how God wants you to leave all your distractions behind and follow Him with all your heart. Do you wonder who or what’s holding you back today?
We all have goals in life as humans. Some of us aspire to pursue our passions as careers, while others choose to follow in the footsteps of someone they admire. And in the pursuit of our dreams, we frequently make mistakes in our lives as a result of bad decisions that we made. We frequently fail in the trials of life. Pastor Mark tells you in today's message how God sees the best in us and how He has the power to change you and make you an entirely different person. Your dreams and desires will be limited, but God sees the best version of yourself in you. He intends for your life to serve a purpose. All you have to do is allow God to transform your life and make you whole again.
We, humans, are very concerned with preserving our legacy and lineage. Parents frequently worry about having a son to carry on their family name. We are often so focused on maintaining our reputation that we fail to see the bigger picture. Pastor Mark tells you how you can carry on the greatest name in the world, Jesus, in today's message! When you decide to follow Jesus, you forget about keeping your name and instead work to spread the name of Jesus to those who haven't yet met Him. How can you, as a believer, lift up the greatest name on the planet and let others know what Jesus has done for you and for them on the cross?
What a remarkable statement from Pastor Mark! We do intend to accomplish a lot in our lives. We all have goals that we want to achieve, whether it's a nice car or a big house. We plan all of our actions to achieve our goals and desires. As Christians, we sometimes want to both follow Jesus and achieve our goals. Pastor Mark explains in today's message how you must begin to rely on God in all aspects of your life. You may want to follow Jesus, but in order to do so, you must set aside your desires and begin doing things according to God's will. God has a plan for your life, and it is better than what you could have imagined.
As Christians, we are aware of the antichrist and how, in the end, times, he will pose as God and rule the nations. But did you know that there was a person in the Old Testament who was known to be a type of antichrist? Today, Pastor Mark tells you about Nimrod, who was known by various scholars to be a type of antichrist. His name literally means "rebellion," which reflected his personality. He established well-known cities such as Babylon and Nineveh. He began to defile those around him. Now, in these last days, we can be aware and on the lookout for these characteristics in order to identify the antichrist and alert others.
We've all heard of Sodom and Gomorrah, how they sinned, and how God destroyed them by raining down fire and burning sulfur on them. Because of God's wrath, not a single living thing survived. But did you know that those cities' fates were already written in their names? In today's message, Pastor Mark explains how the word Sodom means "burning" and the word Gomorrah means "submersion." And eventually, those cities were consumed by fire. Pastor Mark explains how the Holy Spirit can sometimes lead you to the meaning of a name and reveal its fate. God uses names to describe not only a city but a person as well.
Have you ever gone for a walk in the woods? Even if everyone tells you that it's safe out there, you always have a fear of coming across a dangerous animal. You may begin to imagine a tiger or a leopard staring at you from a distance. What a terrifying thought! Do you realize that it can happen to you even if you believe you are safe at home? Today, Pastor Mark explains how the enemy is always looking for ways to bring you down. He may bring you difficult situations or trials at work or in your relationships. But you can avoid every trap set by the enemy by establishing a boundary of God's protection and living a spiritual life.
We are all born sinners as humans. We all make mistakes in our daily lives, whether at work or in our relationships. Instead of admitting and repenting for our error, we try to conceal or lie about it. As a result, sin gains control of us. Even after we have accepted Jesus as our Saviour, our sinful nature remains. We keep making the same mistakes. How can we transform ourselves? Today, Pastor Mark explains how you can avoid the grip of sin by establishing a spiritual protective boundary. The enemy is always on the lookout for a way to bring you down, but you can keep him at bay by establishing a protective boundary.
There is something called 6 degrees of separation. Meaning that when you know 6 people, those 6 people know 6 people, and so on until you eventually know everyone in the world. Well, Pastor Mark shares that according to God’s word, you not only can know everyone in the world, but you’re also actually related to them. So yes, you are part of one large family. And although you are related to them in a physical sense here on earth, you may not have a spiritual relationship with them. Because some will choose not to be a part of God’s spiritual family because they reject Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.
In school who was the highest authority? The principal right? And in the United States, the highest authority is the President. But as Pastor Mark shares, the ultimate authority over principals and even a President is God. So, you must always filter your decisions through His word and His commands. The decisions government officials make can have a tremendous impact on your life…good and bad. But God will always have the final authority and will bring judgment on those who do not govern in a way that honors Him. So, keep your eyes on Him and have faith that His will will be done despite those decisions.
When you are trying to grow an apple tree, what is the first thing you need to do? That’s right, you must plant the seed. You have to take action based on faith that when you plant that seed it will grow. As Pastor Mark shares today that’s why you should share the gospel…so it will grow and multiply in this world. God created you to be fruitful and multiply. Not just in having children and growing a family but growing the family of God by sharing the good news of the gospel. And when you do you will live out your true purpose in this world. You will be co-laboring with God to save a world in need of a Savior.
This world can you pull you in a million different directions…and then some. You can get so focused on your job, your house, the bills, and so on that you can forget about what is truly important. And today Pastor Mark talks about how important children are to God and how they deserve your selfless attention. When you can focus more on the needs of those around you, especially children, your relationship with God will grow stronger. God will bless you for blessing others and investing in their lives. Because it truly is better to give than receive... especially when it comes to sharing the gospel.
Do you serve other people? Did you ever stop to consider why you serve others? Is it because you think that it’s the right thing to do? Is it because you know the Bible told you to serve others? Is it because you are trying to earn your way into Heaven? Or does your service flow from the overflow of your love relationship with God? Pastor Mark says, today, motive matters. God wants US, not our service! Service without a loving relationship with Jesus is simply dead works that lead to death. All the work that we do in our own strength will burn up like wood, hay, and stubble. Jesus wants to lavish His love on us, and for us to lavish our love on Him.
Has your world been destroyed? Does it seem like you have been in this trial for a very, very long time? You may feel like you can't take it anymore. You may think you messed up somewhere. You may think God is ignoring or punishing you. These thoughts are normal. God may have put you in this trial on purpose. Today, Pastor Mark teaches us that God had to destroy Noah's whole world before He could give him a new beginning. That seems drastic, but that was God’s goal. God may tear down our little worlds to give us a fresh start, a new beginning. Let's consider that possibility the next time God begins to rearrange our lives.
Is your faith being built up or torn down? Your faith is being built up when life hems you in with no apparent way out and then God delivers you. Oh, what joy to see God move! Your faith is weakened when you don't need to use your faith when you don't rely on God but try to find your own way out of your mess. Pastor Mark instructs us, today, that our faith is like a muscle; it needs to be exercised or it will wither away. God puts our faith through "wait" training. He puts us in an impossible situation, makes us wait, and then rescues us. This is God’s way of making us stronger. Let’s remember His method, in the midst of our next trial.
Can you imagine the scene? You’re living inside this huge ship with your family and lots of animals. It starts to rain heavily. An uneasy feeling grabs you when the thought crosses your mind, “Will this thing float? Oh no, what if it leaks?” Then, suddenly, you hear creak, creak, creak, and the door to the ship shuts all by itself! In Pastor Mark’s message today, he teaches us that God comforts those who trust Him and obey Him, especially when the situation looks bleak. When God tells us to do something or go somewhere, He has a plan to use us to bring Himself more glory. Like Noah, let's be quick to listen to God and do what He says to do.
Do you trust science? Do you believe that science is always seeking the truth? In his message today, Pastor Mark explains that Satan tries to use science to convince us that God's Word is not true. The problem is that science is done by scientists, those people who, for the most part, don't trust and may even hate God. Satan uses unbelieving scientists to attack The Truth found in the Bible. If Satan can convince us that God's Word is wrong then we are only one step away from believing that God is untrue. It’s Satan’s strategy to undermine God's plan of redemption. Let's stand strong in The Truth of God's Word and watch Satan flee.
Imagine being put on trial and you know you're guilty. The judge knows it, the jury knows it and everyone else does too. Imagine that the judge holds a sidebar and suddenly your verdict is declared – not guilty. Someone else has decided to step in your place and take your sentence for you. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus is the one who came and received the judgment of God in your place. God never wanted for you to be condemned, but someone had to take your place so that justice could be served.
It’s so true that we’re all looking for some form of justice. When you get cut off driving down the highway, or when your Amazon package arrives damaged. When things aren’t how they’re supposed to be, then it’s natural for us to want them to be made right. Pastor Mark teaches us in today’s message that God is just, and requires judgment for sinners. The hard truth is that that means you and me. Are you prepared to face God’s judgment? What if there was another way for your wrongs to be made right?
In ancient times shepherds would herd their sheep into an enclosure for safekeeping. That enclosure was a safe place with only one way in. Do you know where the shepherd sat? At the entrance of course! The shepherd himself was literally the door to the sheepfold. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that when Noah built the ark that it too only had one way. That door was much like Jesus as the shepherd that protects His sheep. Are you inside the sheepfold of God under His protection?
We’re so spoiled with all the options we have today. Want to listen to music? Hop on your preferred app and listen to anything you want! Wanna watch a movie? It’s just as easy! Need groceries? All the major stores will deliver exactly what you want to your front door. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus is the only way to be saved from the judgment of God. You can’t pop open an app or order online from your favorite store. God has only given us one way to spend eternity with Him and that’s through Jesus.
So many people lump the Bible in as being just another ancient book of mythology. There certainly are some interesting stories found in it. Like a man surviving in the belly of a giant fish for three days and an entire nation crossing through the middle of the sea on dry land. In today’s message, Pastor Mark presents to us scientific evidence for one of the most controversial events found in the Bible – A worldwide flood. Today we’ll learn how Noah and his family were able to survive this catastrophic event.
Many times people will go against the norm just to get attention. They’re only looking to get ahead in life and to stand out in the crowd. The problem is that it’s still the crowd that they’re trying to please. How many will go completely against the crowd simply because it’s the right thing to do? In today’s message Pastor Mark teaches us that like Noah was, we’re also called to be preachers of righteousness. And also like Noah, we should fulfill our calling simply because God’s the one that called us to do it.
If you have someone in your life that’s constantly going against everything you stand for and they never listen to anything you say, what would you do? Isn’t the current-day motto we embrace to cut out all the toxic people? What if God cut out all the toxic people in the world? In today’s message Pastor Mark teaches us that one day God will cut off all the unrighteous, but also that He’s long suffering and merciful. He’s patient in waiting for us to turn from our sins and be made right in our relationship with Him.
It’s impossible to look at any source of news today without getting some kind of bad news. The truth is that in the days we live wickedness is a regular occurrence. We can’t go a single day without hearing about corruption, violence, and sexual immorality. Pastor Mark teaches us in today’s message that the days we live in are becoming increasingly more like the days of Noah. In the Bible, God says that He won’t strive with man forever, but that one day His final judgment will be brought on the whole earth.
When your kid puts their hand too close to the hot stove top, your reaction is probably going to scare them. That’s a good thing! You want your kid to be afraid of getting burnt. You want them to have a healthy fear that keeps them from touching that hot stovetop. In today’s Message Pastor Mark teaches us that even though the gospel is a message of good news and love, it also comes with a serious warning. The wrath of God is something you should be very afraid of. So afraid that it drives you to seek God for mercy.
Can you imagine opening up a diner with the best food ever and wanting to just get people in to eat? What if you went out into the streets and invited anyone and everyone to come in and try your food, for free? Imagine now, that no one would come in and eat. In today’s message Pastor Mark teaches us about how God gave Noah one hundred and twenty years to warn the people that the flood was coming, and no one listened. Have you answered God’s invitation to be saved from the wrath that’s going to come on the world?
We’ve all seen at one point or at least heard of the guy standing on the street corner holding a sign that says, “REPENT - THE END IS NEAR.” Some of us wonder, what does he mean by near? How many years has that guy been standing there waving his sign? In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us about the necessity for God to judge sin. The Bible teaches us that God’s merciful, gracious, and long-suffering, but He’s also righteous and requires justice. How much longer do we have until His judgment comes?
For those that have children, we know what it's like to teach them to walk close to us. The more dangerous our surroundings are, the closer we teach them to walk. The further they wander, the more likely they are to get lost or hurt in some way. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that a man named Enoch walked so close to God that he just stayed with HIm forever. Do you know of any better place to be than right by God’s side? How close are you walking to your heavenly Father today?
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine the past civilizations that once filled the earth. We tend to think that today we’re the most sophisticated civilization yet. What we fail to recognize is that those who came before us were not all that different. They had jobs and families and had to put food on the table too. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that not only were those that came before us like us in everyday life, but they also dealt with the same spiritual issue of sin that we do today.
The world is ruled by Satan and will go to great lengths to deny and disprove anything that has to do with God and His Word. As Pastor Mark will point out in today’s message, science, paleontology, and archaeology have offered evidence that supports Scripture, but instead of acknowledging this, many continue to adapt their belief in a godless, chaotic universe to fit their findings. You can place your confidence in God’s Word. You’ll be ridiculed and maybe even persecuted by those who call themselves wise, but remember that God is eternal and His Word has stood the test of time in a supernatural way.
You may think your kids won’t notice when you let out an expletive while driving… until the next time they accidentally drop a toy and here comes that same word… Kids are like sponges. If you’ve been blessed with the privilege to be a parent, don’t waste it. You need to be purposeful about setting a good example. How can you set a good example? Is it really even worth it? How can you model Godliness in a world that is so full of distractions and bad influences? As Pastor Mark will remind us in today’s message, we can’t do this on our own. You’re going to need to be intentional about seeking the help of the Holy Spirit.
As a Child of God, sin should no longer rule in your life. When you ask Jesus to save you and become the Lord of your heart, you won’t lose your ability or tendency to sin. It may be diminished, but more than that you should have a new motivation to live a life that honors your Savior. The word sin is derived from an archery term for missing the mark. If you’ve ever shot a bow, you know how hard it can be to hit that target, and even more so to hit it perfectly in the center every time. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will share with you about sin in your life.
Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior? Even the demons know about Christ and believe He’s the Son of God. Just believing isn’t enough. Many people in our world may attend a church and they generally subscribe to Christian values, but they’ve never actually made Jesus the Lord of their heart. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind us that accepting Jesus as our Savior is crucial. If you neglect that important step, you’re choosing an eternal path of destruction and separation from God because of your sin. The pleasures of this life will feel good while they last, but it’s not worth eternity.
Do you give a sacrifice of worship even when you don’t feel like it? As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the book of Genesis, he’ll be challenging you to remove anything out of your life that's causing you to lack devotion and worship towards God. Idolatry will draw you slowly away from God’s presence. Sometimes your home, even family can become idols that draw you away from sincere worship. Make sure you keep God on the throne of your heart, and when you do, everything and everyone else will remain in their proper place. When you keep God first, He’ll work everything out for your good.
Today, Pastor Mark will be explaining how it’s possible to offer sacrifices and praise that are not acceptable to God. All throughout the Bible, there are examples of offerings and sacrifices that are acceptable and also not acceptable. The acts of worship not acceptable all have to do with a poor condition of the heart. If you offer anything to the Lord and it’s not in faith, it won’t be acceptable to the Lord. Your whole relationship with God is centered around how salvation was given to you as a free gift and must be received by faith. Don’t try to approach God with the belief that you could perform good enough deeds to gain favor.
As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series, he’ll be reminding you that God desires true and genuine worship. Too often people come to church and act like they’re worshiping God, but their heart isn’t really right with the Lord. First, settle your spiritual state with the Lord, and then participate in worship. Jesus Himself said that if you have a problem with a brother, first settle that issue and then come to offer a sacrifice at the altar. Jesus was correcting a wrong view of what worship actually is. God cares about the condition of your heart, and when your heart is right, good fruit will naturally follow.
God desires you to not only receive forgiveness of your sins, but He wants you to experience the fullness of joy in your life. You shouldn’t have a less satisfying life when you come to the Lord, you should have the most fulfillment as you obey and serve the Lord. God knows exactly what brings true joy, and it’s found in Him. Today, Pastor Mark will be challenging you to take time out of every day and worship the Lord. God desires you to worship Him in Spirit and in truth. It’s not just about singing songs and raising your hands, it’s about the condition of your heart. First, settle the issues in your heart and confess your sin, and then come to God in song.
All throughout the Old Testament, God spoke to humanity about the need for a sacrifice due to man's sinful condition. The Lord was preparing the world for the coming Messiah, Jesus the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The moment Adam and Eve sinned, a sacrifice was needed to cover their sin. God didn’t have to make a provision for your sin, but because of His love for you, He chose to make a way for you to be redeemed. Today, Pastor Mark will be encouraging you to have faith that your past, present, and even future sins are completely forgiven. Don’t allow the enemy to discourage you anymore.
God knew that man would fall in the Garden of Eden. God is sovereign and knows all things. Today, Pastor Mark will be explaining how God in His great love for you, made a plan to provide a substitutionary sacrifice for your sins. The Lord made a way for the world to have fellowship with Him again! The devil wants nothing more than to continuously barrage you with fiery darts so that you grow discouraged in your walk with the Lord. God, however, provides grace when you fall and desires you to come to Him whenever you feel discouraged. Confess your sins to the Lord and allow Him to cleanse you of all unrighteousness.
Everything on this earth is decaying. Our bodies slow down, the car starts to rust, and the treasures you store in the attic collect dust. Nothing on this earth was made to last, and none of it will. And ultimately, that’s one of the consequences of sin entering our world. This narrative of death and decay isn’t the end of the story though. There is hope and redemption through Jesus! Although the things of this earth will surely pass away, your soul will not. Your soul was meant for eternity. As Pastor Mark shows you today, you will either spend eternity with God or you’ll spend it away from Him. Which will you choose today?
The standard for what is right and what is wrong has to come from the Bible. If you go by man’s standard, then right and wrong would shift with each generation that comes and goes. In fact, you can see that at work right now. Things that would’ve never been accepted decades ago are celebrated and lifted up. Our standard can never be determined by another person, even if that person is a pastor or religious leader. Only God sets the standard. Today, as Pastor Mark teaches on the consequences of the fall, reflect on your own standard of right and wrong. Is it based on the Bible or is it based on human reasoning?
It’s easy to make a promise if you have no intention of keeping it. You can promise anything to anyone and be a hero…until it comes time to make good on your promise. Then the truth will come to light and you’ll be known for the liar you are. Satan is really good at making promises too. But he’s the father of lies, and he has no intention of keeping those promises. Today Pastor Mark exposes Satan for the liar he is. His promises are full of half-truths. Sure, sin is pleasurable in the short term. But he never tells you the long-term consequences of that short-lived fun. Don’t fall for Satan’s traps today. They only lead to death.
Humankind is doomed without Jesus. From the time we are born, we have a sinful condition that separates us from God. There’s absolutely nothing we can do to close the gap between us. Even perfection is not enough. That would be really hopeless if it was the end of the story. But thankfully, it’s not. God knew we couldn’t close the gap by ourselves, so He made a way to do it. He sent His Son to earth to be the sacrifice for us. Our perfection is not enough, but He is. Our works are not enough, but He already accomplished all the work for us. Today, Pastor Mark shows you your need for a Savior. Will you acknowledge your need for Him as well?
Have you ever looked into a mirror that is also a magnifying glass? There’s often a high-powered light integrated into it as well, just to make sure you see every single blemish and flaw. You can’t hide anything when it’s magnified and lit up only inches from your eyeballs. The closer you get to God, the more powerful the magnifying glass becomes. Every spot in your life becomes glaringly obvious. That can feel really uncomfortable and make you want to back away. But today Pastor Mark encourages you to embrace it. Allow the magnifying glass of God’s presence to show you the sins in your life that need to be forgiven!
There are a couple of different ways to cross a river. The easiest and most obvious is to use a bridge. But if there was no bridge you could row a canoe across. And if you didn’t have a canoe you might be able to throw a rope over to the other side. And if the stream was small enough you might be able to just hop over with a running leap. But the river between us and God? There’s only one way to reach the other side. You’ll never cross the chasm apart from Jesus. Your longest leap will fall short and your strongest bridge will collapse halfway across. Follow Pastor Mark’s teaching today and accept Jesus as the only Savior able to bridge the divide.
Little kids are not very good at covering up their mistakes. As hard as they might try, their efforts are usually futile. In fact, their lies and attempts at hiding the evidence are often so far-fetched that they can even be a little humorous. When we, as adults, try to cover up our sins before God, the results will always be futile. But the difference between us and a child hiding their wrongs is that God doesn’t find it humorous at all. Pastor Mark reminds you today that the consequences of sin are grave. In fact, when played out fully, sin leads to death! Instead of hiding your sin, confess it today. Find the forgiveness and mercy the God will give you.
A freshly baked batch of chocolate chip cookies is pretty hard to resist. If you’re trying not to eat them, it’s probably not a good idea to even be anywhere near them. Your proximity to the cookies makes your downfall inevitable. In the Garden of Eden, God didn’t forbid Adam and Eve from looking at the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They were free to look at it, touch it, and smell it, but they just couldn’t eat it. But Satan knew their weaknesses, and he used their freedom as a lure into sin. Today Pastor Mark encourages you to not be anywhere near sin. If you don’t want to eat, don’t hang around the kitchen!
One punch is usually not enough to finish your opponent in a boxing match. Your strategy better includes a few different offensive and defensive moves if you hope to be the victor. Sometimes, when we come up against Satan in the spiritual realm, we think just one move should be enough to do him in. But as Pastor Mark shows you today, that’s not really the case. Is Scripture memorization a good strategy? For sure! But it can’t be the only move you have against him. You have to be a hearer and a doer of the Word. Taking that Scripture that you are quoting and applying it to your life is the knockout punch to Satan. You will be victorious!
The truth is the truth, no matter how many lies are being told around it. That’s the nature of truth: it’s not influenced by culture, people, or feelings. It’s always going to be the same. You can’t change the truth to fit your own ideas, otherwise, it wouldn’t really be true. The Bible is the ultimate Truth. It’s the very words of God, and since God doesn’t change neither will His Word. As Pastor Mark teaches you today, you must keep the Bible as the standard of truth in your life. You will encounter many temptations to see it as less than the inspired Word of God, but don’t yield to them! Stand strong and stand firm on the foundation of God’s Word.
Have you ever watched a lion hunt a zebra? There’s a lot of waiting involved. Waiting for the terrain to be right. Waiting for the weather to be right. And waiting for the position to be right. The lion never attacks a zebra that is in the middle of the herd. She always waits to find the straggler. She finds the one that has left the protection of the group. Satan is much like a lion. He knows the power of fellowship and the strength of the Body of Christ. Today Pastor Mark reminds you to not break that fellowship. Don’t expose yourself to the attacks of Satan by cutting yourself off from the group. Don’t allow yourself to fight alone. You won’t win.
When the foundation of a building starts to shift, the effects are seen everywhere. Cracks start to appear in the walls. A door that closes perfectly will start to swing open on its own. Eventually, if left unchecked, the whole structure will come falling down. When the foundation of your faith becomes questionable, your whole spiritual life is in jeopardy. Some foundations are doomed from the start: foundations of self-righteousness, works, or self-centeredness will never last. But Pastor Mark urges you to hold tight to the only lasting foundation: the Word of God. If you keep that foundation solid, the rest of your life will stay straight and true.
The Bible says that God will not withhold any good thing from those who love Him. In the garden, God withheld the knowledge of good and evil from Adam and Eve. He even forbade them from eating the tree that would open their eyes to that knowledge. Is that unloving? Wouldn’t it have been better to give Adam and Eve all the knowledge upfront? No, certainly not. God withheld the knowledge of good and evil because it wasn’t a good thing. The only thing knowledge of evil would bring them was temptation, sin, and death. Today Pastor Mark reminds you that if God is withholding something from you, it’s for your protection.
It’s hard to spot a counterfeit 100-dollar bill if you don’t know what a real one looks like. You could spend your time studying and looking at all the different counterfeits that have been made, but it won’t do any good without a solid knowledge of what is accurate. When it comes to defending yourself against the lies of Satan, do you actually know what the Truth says? Have you spent enough time studying the real bill so you can spot the fake? Today Pastor Mark urges you to study the Truth. Know what the Bible says. Build a firm foundation on it. Because if you don’t, the crafty and cunning counterfeits that Satan puts in front of you will seem all too real.
We all face situations in our daily lives that drain our mental energy. We tend to carry our frustrations with us and they begin to influence how we interact with the people we meet. Even in marriage, if you face a difficult situation, you tend to project your anger and frustration onto your spouse, which leads to them carrying that anger within themselves, which leads to a fight. What can you do in this situation? In today's message, Pastor Mark tells you how you can achieve marital peace by leaving all of your work frustrations and worries behind and loving your spouse with all of your heart. God will take care of your worries.
We've all had a difficult day. Every time we encounter a bad situation, whether at work or in our daily lives, the entire scenario stays with us for the rest of the day. It even has an impact on our concentration and clarity of mind. In a marriage, a bad day at work affects not only you but also your spouse and children. How are you going to get over it? In today's message, Pastor Mark explains how you can let go of all work-related thoughts and shift your focus to being with your family. When you get home, you can switch to family mode with God's help and His guidance and can focus on your family rather than work.
We've all been in a situation that seemed impossible to handle, only to succeed and overcome it. Whether at work or in everyday life, there are always situations that appear impossible to us, but God gives us the strength to overcome them. Even in marriage, difficult situations may arise for you or your spouse at times. What are your options? Pastor Mark explains in today's message how God gives you and your spouse the responsibilities that He wants you both to take. Even if the responsibility appears to be a difficult situation, God provides you with the strength and ability to succeed. God will never give you more than you can handle.
We are all driven by the desire to succeed. We all want our focus to be on the end result, whether at work or in relationships. Even in a marriage, couples have desires that they want to achieve, but they frequently fail to do so. Disagreements and arguments stand in the way of them accomplishing what God desires of them. How can you, as a spouse, concentrate on your goal? In today's message, Pastor Mark tells you how you and your spouse can succeed in your marriage by resolving your own issues with God. You can learn God's will for your marriage and your spouse by resolving your issues and relying on God to guide you.
We are always looking for something. It's just human nature. There is always a need and an expectation to fulfill that need, whether it is for a car, a house, or anything else. Even in marriage, a spouse has certain expectations of their partner. It could be a habit of doing things they are not supposed to do or not doing something they are supposed to do. Couples frequently argue when those expectations are not met. What are your options? In today's message, Pastor Mark tells you how, with the help of the Holy Spirit, you can lower your expectations of your partner. Are you willing to give in to your spouse’s needs?
We are not perfect as humans. Everyone in this world has their own set of issues. We all face problems at work, in our families, and in our relationships. Even in marriage, every couple faces some kind of issue, whether it's an argument or a difference of opinion. These minor issues can sometimes escalate into major issues in a relationship. What can you do about it? In today's message, Pastor Mark tells you how strengthening your relationship with God can solve any problem in your marriage. When you start following the path that God wants you to take, your marriage will begin to improve and every issue will be resolved.
We are all prone to being impolite to others. It's just human nature. We sometimes, even unknowingly, get into arguments with other people. Even in marriage, we argue with our spouses, and those arguments can leave a long-term bruise and hurt in the relationship because neither side is willing to apologize to the other. In today's message, Pastor Mark tells you how you can strengthen your marriage by apologizing to your spouse. Bruises and pain from a long time ago may require time to heal. The best way to help your marriage is to ask your spouse for forgiveness for each and every hurtful emotion and let God do the healing.
In times of need, a solid foundation can be extremely beneficial. A strong base is what holds everything together in times of need, whether at work or in relationships. Even in marriage, we always hope for a good start, but that doesn't always happen. What are your options? Pastor Mark tells you how you and your spouse can start over and build a strong foundation in your marriage in today's message. Even if you believe you have ruined everything and that it is now too late to start over, God wants you to know that He is the only one who can rebuild your marriage. It is never too late to turn to God and begin again.
We, humans, have a tendency to expect only good things to happen to us. We always expect good things and ignore bad things, whether at work or in relationships. Even in marriage, we tend to be happy with our spouse when things are going well, but when things don't go as planned, we abandon our spouse to deal with the situation. What can we do to change this? Today, Pastor Mark tells you how you can overcome this runaway attitude by relying on God. Unexpected situations will always arise in your relationship, but God wants you to stick together and allow Him to work miracles in your life and solve every problem.
Every couple faces problems at some point in their marriage. When a couple begins to ignore their spouse's needs, the most common source of conflict arises. We tend to become selfish in our needs and do our best to avoid our responsibilities as spouses, whether it's child care or chores. Our ignorance causes a stumbling block in our marriage. What can we do to change this? In today's message, Pastor Mark tells you how you and your spouse can work as a team to solve any problems that arise. Your spouse may not be perfect, but together with God’s help, you both can achieve your goals and do what God wants.
We all struggle with accepting submission from others. We, humans, have a tendency to dominate others, whether at work or in relationships. We do what we believe is best, whether through words or actions. Even in marriage, husbands have a tendency to dominate, making their wives feel inferior to them. Today, Pastor Mark tells you how the enemy creates a sense of dominance in couples. However, you can strengthen your bond with your spouse by submitting to them. You can surrender and pour out your heart to them, and it will strengthen your relationship. Even Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and saved us!
Every couple in a marriage has its own set of problems. And we, as humans, have a tendency to imitate others and try to incorporate their behaviors into our own. Even in marriage, we tend to observe other couples and compare ours to theirs. We try to blame our spouse for any disagreement by comparing them to others. Is this the appropriate attitude? Today, Pastor Mark explains how the enemy brings all of your disagreements with your spouse in order to break your relationship with them. You can strengthen your relationship with your spouse by reading the Bible and understanding the purpose of marriage.
Every one of us has desires in our hearts. Whatever it is, our hearts always want something. And it frequently desires something that we cannot have. When we are told that we cannot have something, our desire to obtain it grows even stronger. When Adam and Eve were told not to touch the fruit of the tree of life, they ended up doing exactly that. Today, Pastor Mark tells you how the enemy uses our heart's desires to control us and cause us to make bad decisions. We have a tendency to believe that we are self-sufficient and do not require God. As a result, we find ourselves in the grip of sin. Are you willing to rely on Jesus?
At some point in our lives, we all begin to live a life of deception. Be it at work, where we pretend to be happy but aren't satisfied on the inside. Or in relationships where we pretend to like people but have something against them in our hearts. We even pretend to love God, our creator, by going to church, but on the inside, we have no relationship with him. What can we do to change this? Pastor Mark tells you in today's message how you can change your heart of pretense and develop an intimate relationship with God. Building your relationship with Him will also help you build your relationship with your family and your loved ones. Are you willing to rely on Jesus and submit to Him?
We as humans sometimes rely too heavily on others, and our expectations of them continue to rise. Because no one is perfect, they fall short of our expectations and cause us pain. Is it bad to rely on others? We are all born sinners who require assistance to survive. Do you know who you can trust? Pastor Mark tells you in today's message, how you can achieve success in your life and break free from the grip of sin by relying on Jesus. Because Adam and Eve failed to rely on God, they were forced to bear the consequences. Sin entered your life as a result of them. But you can be free of sin by relying on Jesus who loves you.
learned in school that humans descended from a monkey species. The Bible, on the other hand, claims that we were created from dust. How can we be certain that the Bible is correct? Pastor Mark explains and proves in today's message how God created mankind from dust. You are always a victim of sin in your daily life. But did you know that your creator loves you and is willing to overlook all of your flaws? He desires to work in your life and change you. All you have to do is trust in Jesus, confess your sins, and build an intimate relationship with Him.
We've all been in a situation where you think you know something or believe you can do something, but you overlook a minor detail and the whole thing falls apart. Even in our Christian lives, we attend church, listen to God's word, and participate in all church activities. But are we truly saved? Pastor Mark tells you how God desires for you to have an intimate relationship with Him in today's message. Even if you know Him and spend time in church listening to the word, it will all be completely useless if you do not have an intimate relationship with God. You can start doing that by reading His love letter, the Bible.
We have all made significant mistakes at some point in our lives. It affects not only us but also our family and loved ones. There is always a cost for our mistakes; even if it doesn't always affect us, it does affect others, and someone has to pay the price. We are now the ones who suffer as a result of Adam and Eve's sins. How can we avoid the consequences? Pastor Mark tells you today how God sent His only son Jesus to the earth to die on the cross and take away your every sin and save you from all the consequences. All you have to do is believe in Jesus and confess all your sins to Him and He will cleanse you from every sin.
We, as humans, are constantly in need of love. It's human nature to want to love and be loved. We tend to look for love in other people, whether it's in our family or in our relationships. It breaks us down when we do not receive the desired love from our loved ones. We move on to find love in other places. But do you know where you can find everlasting love? Pastor Mark explains how God's love is the only love you'll ever need in today's message. God loved you so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins. You now have eternal life because of Jesus. You can read His love letter to know more about His love.
We've all heard and seen what a Dinosaur used to look like, whether in movies or books. But have you ever considered that a creature even larger than the Dinosaur once roamed this world? You might imagine a T-Rex to be a furious creature, but the creature described in the Bible was a furious giant creature that no one could stand against. Pastor Mark tells you about this massive creature known as Leviathan in today's message. You may believe that the Leviathan was a dinosaur, but the Bible tells you that the Leviathan was a different creature. Let's take a look at the process of creation and know more about the Leviathan.
We all have at some point in our life have fascinated by the fact that Dinosaurs were real. We tend to believe what the world tells us about them. You may seem to believe everything the world has to say about Dinosaurs even in the movies. But does the world know what the Bible has to say about them living on Earth? In today’s message, Pastor Mark tells you what the word of God has to say about Dinosaurs. He tells you how Dinosaurs were actually herbivorous animals who were huge in size but were not as furious as the world describes. Let us know more about what Pastor Mark has to say about them as we dig into the time of God’s creation.
As Christians, we are frequently tested in our daily lives. Whether at work or in our personal lives. When it comes to our belief in God's creation, we tend to doubt it after hearing about evolution from scientists. We seem to accept what the world says about creation rather than what the Bible says. Pastor Mark explains in today's message how God's creation was perfect and did not require evolution to become what it is today and in the future. When God created everything, He was pleased with His creation and declared it to be perfect. Because you were created in the image of God, you are God's most valuable and perfect creation.
Why is prayer so often our final resort? Like, I've tried everything else and I still can't fix it, so, maybe, God, you could give it a try? When you consider his creative power in making the stars and placing them where they go, why don't we run to him first? Maybe it's because we forget about creation in the craziness of everyday life. Well, Pastor Mark is going to remind you today! So next time you feel overwhelmed, step outside and look at the stars. Remember that you have access to the same God who created them by hand and placed them in the sky! Then take it to God in prayer and watch him do what he always wanted to do anyway!
I love to sit near the water and watch the waves, don't you? The gentle rhythmic sound of the water creates feelings of peace and serenity. And the vastness of the ocean offers a unique perspective of how small my life truly is. But I never contemplated that the very rise and fall of the waves spoke to God's reign over the world. Did you? In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to explore the incredible power of our God that is displayed all through creation. Even the rhythm of the wave is a testament to God's mighty reign on the earth. No matter how proud a wave maybe, eventually, it bows before the creator.
Your body was designed with the mechanisms and regeneration ability to live forever. This might sound like a sci-fi alternate reality, and well, I guess right now it is. When sin entered the world, disease, and death came with it. But God knew better than to leave us to our own devices forever. He had a plan. In today's message with Pastor Mark, you're going to see God's plan in all its fullness, from the first creation to the re-creation of your body! When you go live with God, your body gets re-created in all its glorious perfection once again and the sci-fi alternate reality becomes the reality. Just imagine—eternal life!
We see it again and again through scripture—people trying to argue with the Son of God. The Pharisees and Sadducees tried to trip Him up in His words. The disciples didn't like it when he said they would desert him, and they argued. When he went to wash Peter's feet... well, we know how that argument ended too! In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to open the mind-blowing fact that whenever people argue with Jesus, they're arguing with the embodied Word of God. And don't we do the same thing today? Guess who is still, and always, going to win any argument! It's Jesus. The faithful and true, living, Word of God.
Whenever I think about the stars, I think about Abraham and the promises of God. God showed Abraham the stars and said his descendants would be even more numerous. But centuries before that, God formed those stars by hand. He put them in their place and he gave each one of them a name. God gave you your name too. He formed you. He gave you a place on this earth. And he gave you a name. In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to show you that your God is the same one who formed and placed the stars. There is nothing too difficult for him. And he cares for you with the same tender care.
I would love to see animators try to capture the awesome power of God in the creation story. As Pastor Mark painted a picture for us of God drawing out the universe like a curtain, I could almost see it happening. Can you feel the glory of that moment? As Pastor Mark continues through the creation account today, let your mind and heart be captured by the awesome power and art of our creative God. Put yourself there, at the beginning when there was nothing. Watch the light spring to life. And remember, with every new and awesome creation, that God also made you. And to him, you are the pinnacle of his creation.
If you're looking for a divine mystery, you don't have to look any further than the first chapter of Genesis. In it, God created this entire universe and everything within it. And because his creative power is unparalleled, he built mystery after mystery into creation. It's an endless world of exploration! In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to show you some of the mysteries that God shared with us in scripture long before we ever thought to look for them. Life in Christ is never boring. There are so many mysteries left to unravel. Imagine God's joy when we begin discovering the awesome things he made for us to find!
In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to dive into the battle surrounding evolution and creation. But he brings up a huge, life-altering point here. This battle isn't a physical one. It's not a scientific one. This battle is spiritual. Every battle that you face in your life has something behind it that's greater than the battle itself. Time to peek around the facade and fight the real fight! What battle are you fighting today? Unless it's a battle for the kingdom of God, you're fighting the wrong fight. And the battle for the kingdom is always fought one heart—one life—at a time. Whose heart and eternal life are you fighting for today?
In the beginning, God created everything from nothing. Every act of “creation” that follows is a small imitation of the great creator! I love that God allows us to join him in creation in small ways, but all it takes is one clear night to look at the stars to show me that my creation and his creating are two totally different things. Pastor Mark is going to dive into God's divine creation of the world from nothing in today's message. And while that should make you feel rather small, it should also show you at the same time just how big your God is. Nothing that you face is greater than the God who created it—and you have nothing to fear!
We have a million different windows into the kingdom of heaven. God has shown us his glory again and again through scripture. He displays his awesome creative power with every sunrise. He shares his love through the people around us in small or great ways every single day. He has given us a view of his kingdom! We have a million windows into the kingdom of God, but there's only one way to enter it, and that is through the door! In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to show you how Jesus is the door. He is the one and the only way to get into the kingdom of God! Each of the windows you've seen has been to show you to the door.
You can tell so much about a story by its opening line. Is this story going to capture my imagination? Will it stir up the emotions in me? It should come as no surprise then, that God has the greatest opening line of all time! “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” There is so much in these ten words! As Pastor Mark explores the worlds contained in this opening verse of the Bible, you're going to see that your God is so much bigger than you know! And once you realize that, the rest of your life becomes straightforward and free of fear. The God who created everything also created you. And he has a purpose for your life!
One of the things that the Lord promises is that we can boldly enter the throne room of Heaven and make our requests to God. When we come with fear or doubts, then we can ask for boldness and confidence to spread the Gospel. God is more than willing to give us the strength that we need to further his Kingdom on earth! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing the importance of making sure that we are able to evangelize to people without fear or insecurity. Because of Jesus, we now have everything that we need to be bold witnesses to his Gospel! If we lack anything the only thing that we need to do is ask and he’ll help us!
Do you think you have a hard time taking God at his word? Doubt can be a natural thing that comes up in the faith journey. There were some that doubted Jesus even after he was resurrected. Having doubt does not disqualify us from our faith if anything it makes it more solid. As we worked through our doubts were strengthened. In today’s Message, Pastor Mark will be sharing about the importance of meeting God with our doubts. Often, we think that we can’t have doubts to have faith. Often though, working through doubts can help strengthen our faith! God is big enough to be met with all our doubts and fears and work through them with us!
The Bible is telling one big story and the main theme is redemption. We see it play out in the Old Testament and carried over into the New Testament with Jesus. The summary of this story is the Gospel. Which means good news. What Jesus did on the cross is the best news that anyone could hear, and we get to share it! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing the importance of being able to articulate and share the good news of the Gospel. Some of the first people that Jesus told to share the Gospel weren’t his disciples, but the women that followed him! We can all carry the Gospel into the world that needs to hear it!
When Jesus was going through the crucifixion, he had a lot of people follow him throughout the process. Some of the roman guards were with him the whole time. They saw Jesus from the trial all the way to the cross. By the time the earthquakes happened, they knew that there was something different about Jesus. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing about the ways that God has been revealing himself to people. The ways that God has shown himself so that people are without excuse. He can do this directly through his word, and by the people that he has placed around us! It’s up to us to acknowledge him!
Have you ever felt intimidated or scared to share the Gospel with someone? It can be easy to feel so overwhelmed with wondering if you’re saying the right things or not! We sometimes think that we need to have a degree or go through hours of training to cover every single topic that the bible covers, but we don’t! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing some of the best ways we can evangelize to unbelievers. It’s not always with heavy theological talks but usually with just sharing what you know! No one can argue with our own personal testimony. When we share what Jesus has done in our lives, people are receptive.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to represent Christ to this world and tell of what he has done! While this is the greatest message anyone could hear some people won’t receive it. Some people will even persecute us because of it. There can be much hardship in the Christian walk, but there is always a greater joy too! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing encouragement to everyone who feels beaten up by life. Maybe you have experienced some hardship in this last season and are weary. We know that God will take the pain and turn it around for Good. There is no hardship that goes to waste in the Kingdom of God.
There are many stories in the Bible where we see people come to a crossroads and decide. This happens in the Old Testament with the Israelites and in the New Testament with the Disciples and early church. There are many people who would sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. Many lost everything but gained more in eternity. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be talking about the decision that we’ll all have to make. That is whether we’ll be all in for Jesus or not. How much are we willing to sacrifice and surrender to him, even when persecution or opposition comes? We know that what Jesus has to offer is better than the things of this world.
We can see Satan all throughout the Bible trying to steal worship from God and deter believers. Satan and all the demonic realm were against Jesus while he was being beaten and crucified. When Jesus Died on the cross, he took sin to the grave with him. The only thing is that Jesus got up and Sin was still dead with no power. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be talking about the deceitful ways Satan has been working in the world and throughout history. We can see it through the Old to New Testament. He is even at work today, but because of the Cross, he has no more power and Jesus has already won the Victory!
We will never know the true extent as to what Jesus suffered on the cross. We know what he bought for us, but we will never fully know the cost! Jesus had suffered complete separation from God the father for the first time in all of creation. It had never happened before, but God thought that we were worth it! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing about the abandonment that Jesus had felt on the cross. He knew what it was like to be abandoned by God, so we never had to. When we feel far away from God or think that he isn’t with us, we look to this moment and know that Jesus paid the price for that relationship!
After Jesus was tried before Pilate, he was beaten to no recognition. You wouldn’t even be able to recognize him as a man. One of the things that he said as he hung on the cross was, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” This was the only time in the Gospels when Jesus didn’t refer to God as Father. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing more about what happened between God the Father and Jesus while Jesus was on the Cross. Jesus laid down his right as a son of God at that moment so that he could be tried and sacrificed in our place. Because of his sacrifice, we can now be called children of God.
As we read through the account of the crucifixion, we see that the guards offered Jesus a drink. This drink served as a kind of painkiller, but Jesus refused. He decided he was going to take on all the pain and all the cost for our sins. He spared nothing and didn’t take any shortcuts when it came to fixing our relationship! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be sharing some of the details of what happened on the Cross. This was a pivotal moment in history and in our faith, and we can often miss or overlook certain specific sections. The more we study what happened on the Cross the greater appreciation we can have toward salvation!
Have you ever received a gift and not realized how much it cost? Maybe when you were younger as a child you didn’t realize how much money your favorite toy was, and you weren’t able to fully appreciate it! The greatest Gift that God has given us is his son and what he did on the Cross, and it cost God more than we realize! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will be going over the account of Jesus' crucifixion from one of the Gospels. Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross so that we could be reconciled to the Father. We will never know how much it truly cost God, but we can see glimpses as we read the story and discover more!
Do you ever find yourself living for the things of this world? It tells you that this life is all there is. The goal is to be as comfortable as possible. I’m sure you know as well as I do that it’s a tempting way to live. God is calling you to be different though. He’s calling you to live like this life is only the beginning. The world worships comfort and happiness. It’s never been easier to live a comfortable life than now which means that the temptation is greater than ever. There are only 2 ways to live, for the world, or for heaven. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will inspire you to live a life that is on purpose and glorifies God.
Wow, that’s such an important distinction. Being sorry is our natural response to doing something bad, but repenting is both being sorry and turning away from sin. It’s a lot easier to be sorry than it is to repent, isn’t it? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach you about the grace that’s found in repentance. Have you found yourself in a pattern of being sorry, but not repenting? The final trials of Jesus have great examples of the difference between the two. It may not sound like a huge deal at first, but the difference is what separated the apostle Peter from Judas. One ended up in heaven and the other did not.
Have you ever found yourself on the edge between what is ok, and what you know is sin? What eventually happened? Well, If you’re like most of us, you probably fell off the edge and sinned. Whether you’re on the edge, at the bottom, or nowhere close to the edge, God’s word has wisdom and grace for you today. If you’ve ever found yourself at the bottom of the hill, then you know that you had to walk away from the shepherd to get to the edge. Maybe it was confidence in your own strength, or just a desire to see over the edge. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach you that the best place to be is close to the shepherd.
Are you following close to the Lord, or like Peter, have you fallen back and are following at a distance? Are you reading scripture and seeking God every day, or is it more of a once-a-week hobby? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you that clinging to Jesus is the only way to live a life of victory. The apostle Peter is known for a lot of things, and unfortunately, he tends to be known as the one who denied Jesus three times. I bet If you’d had to make made a prediction though, you probably wouldn’t have picked him as the “denier”. So how’d he get there? Well, listen to learn how to avoid Peter’s major downfall.
Have you ever thought that it’d be nice to be a Christian, but you're just too far gone? Maybe you were raised in the church but left when you got older. Maybe you are a believer, but stuck in a pattern of sin and don’t feel close to God anymore. No matter where you are today, God has a word of hope for you. Have you ever been betrayed? Do you remember how you felt? Judas is most famous for betraying Jesus. And while Jesus felt all those things, his response was love. He gave Judas a chance to repent, even after such a terrible sin. Do you need to repent today? God is waiting, not in anger or resentment, but in love.
Do you ever find yourself stuck in a cycle of sin? You know that God has set you free, and you want to stop the sin, but it feels like you’re just stuck. If that’s you today, then this message is for you. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach you about the 3 fundamentals of the faith that will set you free from the cycle that you’re in. It’s human nature to want to trust in your own strength to overcome sin. The apostle Peter was quick to say that he would never betray Jesus. But what did he do? He betrayed him not once, or twice, but three times! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you how to find strength in the 3 fundamentals of the faith.
Too much confidence in your own ability can be a dangerous thing. It doesn’t help that we live in a society that glorifies self-confidence. While there is nothing wrong with being confident in whom God has made you, your greatest source of confidence shouldn’t be in yourself, it should be in God’s power. Have you ever decided to pull yourself up by your bootstraps and then been hit by temptation like never before? The enemy seems to do that. He knows when you are relying on your own strength instead of God’s. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will teach you that victory is found in the word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Take a second to think about where your heart is today. Are you seeing things you’ve prayers answered and feeling blessed? Or are you struggling to see God’s hand in your life? No matter where you find yourself, in today’s message, Pastor Mark has a word for you that will show you why you have reason to sing. Jesus didn’t have an easy life by any means. While he was loved by many, he was hated even more. He also knew that a horrible death awaited him. He had a supernatural joy though that superseded all circumstances. You have access to that same joy today and Pastor Mark is going to show you why.
Do you ever lift your hands in worship? While it may seem like a superficial question to some, the real underlying question is, does your love for God and desire to worship him outweigh your concern about what others think of you? Another way to ask the same question is, are you willing to look foolish to please God? Mary’s worship looked crazy to those around her. As she broke her alabaster jar and poured the perfume on Jesus' head and feet, she literally poured out her life savings on him. She gave him her all. In today’s message, Pastor Mark will remind you why Jesus is truly worth all that you are and all that you have.
Do you ever feel like your world is spinning out of control? Have you ever wanted a situation to go a certain way, but it ended up going in the opposite direction? Part of being Human means that you don’t have control over a lot of things, but there is comfort to be found because your God who loves you IS in control. It’s easy to find evidence of God’s control in the magnificent stories of the Old Testament. Have you ever thought about how much control God had even over his own betrayal and death? In today’s message, Pastor Mark will show you that God’s complete control can be found in the most seemingly unlikely of places.
What do you think about when it comes to the end times? Do you imagine wars and famines and disasters? It's true, those things are on the horizon. But don't forget what is in store for the believer when the world comes to an end! In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to show you what it looks like for you! When you get to the end of the world, God has some pretty unbelievable stuff in store for you! But the greatest part of all is that you will get to learn the things of God from God. Until that time, you're in a great place because Pastor Mark has so much to show you today! But imagine that day when you get to learn from God!
As you listen to today's message, pause and take the time to look closely at your life and answer those questions honestly. What are you doing with the time you've been given? What are you doing with your resources and talents and knowledge? Are you saying yes to the opportunities God puts in front of you? Believing in Jesus is the most important thing, but when you take it one step further, belief without action is hardly belief! Today's message is an invitation to evaluate your life and your walk with God and make the changes you need to make! It's not too late to give God everything today! But someday it will be.
Do you ever get caught up in trying to find God's purpose for your life? The possibilities are endless and the sheer number of options can be paralyzing! You lie awake at night worrying about trying something or missing something. In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to push you to stop worrying and do something. Doing something—anything!-- is better than remaining rooted in one spot afraid to move. As you take a step forward, and then another one, God has promised that his word will be a lamp to your feet. He will show you one step at a time, but it's your job to make the step! What step can you take today toward your purpose?
God is love. He loves you with a love so great that you can't even imagine it. He's been waiting for you to say yes to his son, and he will wait as long as he can. But one day, Jesus will return and on that day your chances will come to an end. In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to open up the last days and show you what it looks like once your chances are over. It's not because God's love runs out. His love for you is forever! But this world is not forever. He's prepared for you a perfect place instead, and he wants you to be ready to join him. Are you ready today? If you aren't, pay close attention to the message today!
In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to dive into historic Jewish wedding ceremonies, and show you from them what it means to be the bride of Christ. Jesus chose his words carefully when he described the things of the kingdom of God, and when you don't know the culture it can be easy to miss the meaning! So in today's message, Pastor Mark is going to de-code the metaphors of Christ with an eye on the culture of the time! You'll be amazed at how clearly Jesus painted the picture of his return! As you listen, remember the excitement you felt as your own wedding day approached. And remember you are the Bride of Christ!
Pastor Mark has been talking about the end times in the last few messages, and today he is going to show you what your response needs to be. God shared with us His plans for the end times and for eternity so that you and I could be ready for it! He gave you a gigantic “heads up” with one purpose; so that you have a chance to say yes to his son! Once you've made that important step, He's got a job for you to do. He wants you to be engaging in the world, serving others, and sharing His love. How are you doing with that? If you need a little help and motivation, you're in the right place! Today's message will light a fire in you!
God gave us so many “Easter eggs” as he told His story of redemption all throughout history. In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to explore the similarities between the time of Noah and the end times, and you'll see how God is the greatest storyteller of all time, working His plot line through all of history! Why did God foreshadow His ultimate plan of redemption so many times in so many different ways? It is all a gift to you! Every word of every story was told with you in mind so that He could show you one very important thing; He loves you! Each word was chosen with care with the purpose of growing your faith.
How about you? Do you find talk of the end of the world comforting or terrifying? In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to show you exactly why the end of the world is the best news you've ever heard! When Jesus comes back for you it will be before every one of the terrifying things. When Jesus comes back for you, he will rescue you from this world and from the enemy! When you approach scriptures that tell of the end times, remember that every word there is written to comfort you, and so that you can comfort others with them as well. If you're still feeling afraid, you'll want to stick around for today's message!
There is nothing accidental about the symbols Jesus chooses to use when he's describing his return to earth! In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to show you all the ways that the return of Jesus will be exactly like the lightning bolt he said it would be! Are you ready for the return of Christ? When he returns to bring the church to heaven with him, those who are left on earth will face some terrifying times! But there is an escape for you! All you need to do is come to Jesus today. Confess your sin and accept him as Lord and Savior! As you listen to today's message, remember that God loves you and made a way for you.
For many people, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear that surrounds the end of the world, and the pictures we find in Matthew and Revelation can add to that fear if you don't read carefully! Today Pastor Mark is going to remind you that there is no reason to be afraid of the end of the world when you're in Christ! If you don't know Christ yet, you'll have a chance in today's message to come to know him! It'll be the best decision you ever made! Bring your heart to Christ today and let him show you that you have nothing to fear now or in the future! There is nothing that can take you away from the love that God has for you.
We want to put everything into nice categories, but when we walk by faith, some things refuse to be categorized! Scripture is filled with mysteries and some of them can make us scratch our heads. In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to explore one of those mysteries—is God in control, or do we have a responsibility, too? The answer, of course, is both! God is absolutely in control, but we also need to play our part. Prayer is a key part of life in Christ, and you will see today that when you pray, things change! This is even more important to know when it comes to the end times. Let's listen together and learn why that is true!
Do you spend much time thinking of Christ's return? As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn that we are a people of hope – and part of that hope is knowing Jesus is coming back soon. He told us and it's true! Many older saints from previous generations spoke of keeping your eye on the Eastern Sky, watching for Him! Knowing that God doesn't operate without purpose – and that He is working all things for our good – well, that gives me the ability to face tomorrow. Pastor Mark reminds us that we should not despair. Nor should we go into hiding. We have the best news to share with the whole world!
When we get home to heaven, I have some questions I'd like Jesus to answer. One of which is why good things happen to His chosen people. As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn hard times are ahead for us, it's predicted and promised. So much for a “chamber of commerce” sales pitch for Christianity! As we think of the end-times approaching ...and the world groaning in labor pains getting ready for the New Jerusalem … Pastor Mark reminds us that the prophecy we are studying today is helpful – and HOPEFUL – for us, His Children, to endure until the end. He will never leave us alone – and that's good news!
Our world is full of confusion. I suppose it's been that way long before you and I were around. But boy, doesn't it seem extra confusing these days? As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn the Lord warned us of this. In fact, our life as believers will be full of sorrow while we walk this earth. Remembering that we're in a fallen world and our home is not here – and also remembering that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, Pastor Mark reconciles why our sorrow can be endured with hope – because of Christ. A better day is on its way and He's allowing us to be part of His plan!
When asked the deep theological question: "does man have free will or does God completely control every decision?" -- someone once answered that with "Yes, Yes, Next Question!" :) As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn that there is truth to that -- and we probably won't figure it out or understand it until we get home. Of course, Jesus desires that everyone be saved, and that was explained to the Pharisees - as we are studying today. The hearts of so many of them were hypocritical and hardened. Jesus continued to give opportunity for a changed mind and heart, yet some just didn't believe or follow Him.
Guilty by association. Were you ever lumped into trouble when maybe you technically did nothing wrong? It's a real thing! As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn that the Lord said we'd be guilty of all the wrong that is being done in our generation unless we repent and stand against it. Finding the courage the be counter-cultural is getting harder, but it's so vitally important! God's chosen people are called peculiar for a reason: we are like salmon swimming upstream more often than not. Ask the Lord to give you the strength to keep on swimming upstream!
Good things sometimes become a distraction, and therefore a hindrance to something better. To say it another way: there are kind and noble acts, disciplines for your faith, mind, and body -- but when those things take the place of a free relationship with God, Your Father, something's wrong. That's the problem with hypocrisy - as Pastor Mark is teaching today. The rule-keepers of Jesus' day were good at keeping the rules. No wonder they were offended when Christ challenged them. The "thing" is not the point. Jesus is the point - and the more we can re-center ourselves on that truth, the better!
Look around you. Do you think common sense has gone out the window? Do you think the world has it backward most of the time? Have you noticed that reality isn't acknowledged for what it is -- and it seems like the laws of the universe are being negotiated on a daily basis? Yeah... me too! It's enough to make one think that all hope seems lost. But...As Pastor Mark teaches today, this has been going on since the time of Christ. There were those denying the empty tomb was all just a hoax, just hours and days after it happened. Some just won't believe it, even when the truth is right in front of them. Be grateful for the faith to believe in yourself today!
Do you know what every one of us is probably guilty of? Not feeling qualified. And then what do we do? We figure out a way to learn, practice, get training, and become more qualified. And that, in itself, is an honorable and commendable thing. But sometimes, we might continue down the path of learning and reading and study while never actually transferring the book knowledge into action. As Pastor Mark teaches today, Living out the actions of love and prayer is so important. God says "do this today." Start where you are. He'll be with you!
Do dogs go to heaven? Will the streets there really be paved with Gold? Will I have a mansion and will I have to clean it all by myself? There are many questions we have about heaven. As Pastor Mark teaches today, One question that comes around often is "will we have marriage and family relationships in heaven the same as we have here? What if I remarried? How will that work? There is a more intimate connection in heaven than we can even imagine. Here on Earth, we're living in a shadow where heaven will be the full reality of God's glorious, forever home for His children.
Have you ever felt left out? Maybe it was not being chosen to play on a sports team. Or when others seem to overlook you for a party or gathering. There is a place you belong and Jesus extends an “always invitation” to you! As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn how wide the Lord's arms are to “whosoever will.” Some might argue that it's impossible for all to be saved. But Jesus' shed blood is efficient for the whole world, for all time! And Pastor Mark reminds us that scripture is clear – going back to the original Greek translation – that “as many as there are...are called!” You and I aren't left out!
Arrogance. It's something we think of as synonymous with bragging and pride. Did you know that arrogance can also be present in quiet ways too? As Pastor Mark teaches today, you'll learn that even our striving to serve God can be a form of arrogance. It's true! Anything that we do that we think is more sufficient than the blood of God's own Son is arrogance! The sacrifice of Jesus was enough. It IS sufficient to cover your sins and is EFFICIENT for the whole world! Pastor Mark reminds us to accept Christ – not reject Him. It's available without hustle! Accept that free gift of grace today.
We humans are pretty good at coming up with excuses. It doesn't matter if we are talking to our mom or the God of the universe, we somehow always find a way to explain why we can't do something. But Jesus dismantles our excuses, one by one. Jesus calls his followers to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. You may think that if you have no formal Bible training that commission doesn't apply to you...but you would be mistaken. Today Pastor Mark shows us that Jesus himself didn't go to Bible school, and neither did any of his disciples! The truth behind our excuses isn't that we can't do something, it's that we won't.
A piece of clay that's already been shaped, fired, and glazed can't be reworked into a new vessel. You can turn that pot on the wheel until your fingers fall off and it will never be reformed. Today Pastor Mark shows us that our hearts can be hard in the same way. We can refuse to be reformed by God's truth. The Pharisees and the scribes saw Jesus face to face. They saw the miracles he did. They saw time after time how he was fulfilling the prophecies, and yet they did not believe that he was the Messiah. It's easy to see how they messed up, but we need to examine our own hearts too. Are you hardened to the truth of who God is?
Power changes people. The mild-mannered co-worker can become unbearable when they are made manager. Someone who was always honest suddenly finds themselves taking advantage of others with their authority. It isn't anything new to see those in authority use every last measure of power they are given. In fact, that's commonplace. But what if it was different? What if those who made the rules had compassion for those under them? What if power was used to build others up, not just elevate the leader? Today, Pastor Mark shows us that this is true greatness in God's eyes: to use the power he has given you to serve others.
Have you ever seen a king polishing his servant's shoes? Has a president ever bent over to tie the shoelace of one of his bodyguards? Is the honored guest ever the one dishing up food at his own banquet? These examples of servant leadership are hard if ever, seen today. But there was one king who came not to be served, but to serve. His name is Jesus. Today Pastor Mark reminds us that we aren't supposed to be seeking out the highest place of honor to sit. We're not to be looking for approval from the most important people. Jesus wants us to be looking for the lowest place where we can serve the most.
Aren't you glad that you can admit your imperfections to God? You can tell him your struggles and doubts, and he will answer with compassion. Your shortcomings don't scare God. They don't make him question the plan he has for you. He knows you are human! He knows you won't be perfect! Today Pastor Mark shows you two examples from scripture. In one instance, the man admits his lack of faith and asks for help. On the other, the man simply walks away when he realizes he can't do what Jesus is asking him. Which will you be today? Allowing God to do the impossible or walking away from the opportunity of a lifetime?
There's nothing quite like the sinking feeling you get when you realize you are on the wrong road, going in the completely wrong direction to get to your destination. You thought that the road you were on would lead you where you wanted to go. But it's only taking you further and further away. Spiritually, there are many people who are on the wrong road but have no idea. They think they are on the path leading to God, but the truth is, they never even started on the journey. Today, Pastor Mark shows us that the journey starts with repentance...true repentance. Repentance puts you on the right road to God.
A butter knife is intended to spread butter. It's not supposed to be used as a screwdriver, a pry bar, or for any other purpose you might find for it. Sure, it might work OK at the moment. But the knife will come back to the kitchen bent, beaten, and battered. It will probably never be used to spread butter again. God created each of us for a purpose. He created marriage for a purpose. As the world warps and shifts that purpose, it might seem like everything is working out just fine. But at the end of the day, there's an emptiness and a longing for something more. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to look in the Bible to find the truth.
Jesus is counter-cultural. He shifts the status quo and rocks the boat wherever he goes. Today, Pastor Mark looks at Jesus' teaching about marriage and divorce. Jesus' words sparked controversy when they were spoken, and they are especially controversial now. The world wants you to be who you were born to be. That sounds like a nice message, to just be your natural self. The problem is that your natural self is sinful and not right with God. It's natural to do things that aren't pleasing to God! Today, Jesus calls us to something greater. He calls us out of the easy, sinful life into a life transformed by his power.
It's easy to expect more from others than you do from yourself. Whether it's your kids, employees, or even just your friends, it's easy to demand perfection while allowing plenty of grace for yourself and all your mistakes. But thankfully, as Pastor Mark shows us today, God isn't like that. God tells his followers that they have to lay their life down for others. Following Jesus requires a great sacrifice, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But because God is a loving father and a gracious king, he was the first to live out that example. Even before he hung on the cross, he was putting the needs of others above his own.
Everyone is struggling with something in their life. We all have our different issues that hold us back and often it seems beyond redemption. Today, Pastor Mark wants you to know that no matter where you’re at in life, Jesus wants to pull you out of the darkness and save you from yourself. Whether you’re choosing to ignore your issues or fix them yourself, Jesus has a plan for you and wants to save you. Stop letting the darkness in your life overwhelm you and let Jesus lead you to a bright future. He will never leave your side through all of your trials.
Have you ever planned something to perfection only to watch it crumble right in front of you? Have there ever been plans in your life that just don’t quite pan out? In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains that you need to follow God’s vision for your life and not your own. It’s easy to think that you have it all figured out, but plans don’t always work out. Putting your trust in God is the only way to find real purpose in your life. Don’t limit yourself and let God show you the great plans that He has for you. If you want to experience your fullest potential, let God take you there.
Most of us have an experience of being in a dark time in our life. We try our hardest to pull ourselves out of its clutches, but often we can’t find a way out. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains that the only way to break free from darkness is to follow Jesus. If you rely on yourself to get out, you’ll never find the serenity that you’re looking for. It doesn’t matter how dire or impossible your situation might seem, follow Jesus and let His love bring you out of the depths of darkness. No one will come to your side more than Him.
As Christians, we often prefer to choose who we want to witness. We make judgments on people based on their status, income, or ethnicity and let that decide whether they are worthy to hear God’s good news. Today, Pastor Mark explains that this is not who we are meant to be as followers of Christ. Have you ever felt unworthy to attend church? Have you ever felt like you need to clean up your life before God will accept you? There are no exclusions when it comes to eternal life and God wants to give you His free gift of grace. Become a new creation through Him.
Have ever you wondered if you’re truly living out “you’re calling?” Today, Pastor Mark wants you to know that if you want to do what you’re truly meant to do, you need to put your trust in Jesus. Even when you’re doing things that seem perfect and right, you will never know if you’re just wasting your time. You need to stop trying to be perfect and let God lead your life. No matter how hard you work, research, or try to figure it out, it’s impossible to know if the seemingly “perfect” decision you make is the best one for you. Put your Faith in God and know that every decision He makes for you is the best plan.
We’ve all experienced prejudice at least once in our life. Whether it’s us making the preconceived judgment or experiencing it ourselves, we often are so quick to categorize someone unjustly. Today, Pastor Mark wants you to know that you need to give your prejudice, bigotry, and unloving thoughts about others to God. It’s safe to say that most of us can all recall a time when we were humbled and it wasn’t a good feeling. We love the idea of humility but when we experience it ourselves, we’re embarrassed or even frustrated at the situation. Be a light to others through your humility and let God use you mightily for His kingdom.
A lot of times it's easy for us to hear all the good news and the benefits of being followers of Christ, but we forget that Jesus told us that there is a cost, that we all need to count. Have you ever heard the saying, “Hope for the best, and prepare for the worst?” In today's Message, Pastor Mark reminds us that there's a very real Spiritual battle going on right now, and we're all part of it. Are you equipped for the battle we're in? Are you able to stand strong against the spiritual enemy we face? Remember, things can get hairy while we're still here on earth, but through the blood of Jesus, we have the power we need to stand strong.
Have you ever been on a cross-country road trip? We're talking days of driving. When you get out on the open road and get into a groove. You've got your cruise control set, you've got your music going, and you start just enjoying the scenery. The thing that happens after a while, is you become so comfortable and relaxed, that you get drowsy and start to fade and before you know it you're drifting over that line... Pastor Mark teaches us in today's message, that as Christians, we need be alert and awake and keep our eyes on Jesus. Have you gone into spiritual auto-pilate? Are you starting to drift? Or are your eyes, fixed on Jesus?
In order to produce olive oil there must be crushing. The pits are removed and thrown into a press, where they're crushed. From the crushing of the pits is where we get the extra virgin olive oil. Without that kind of pressure, we would not have that oil that is considered so rich and valuable. Pastor Mark teaches us in today's message, that pressure on the Christian life provides an opportunity, for the power of the Holy Spirit to come through. No one likes to go through difficult times, but it's in those times that we truly see God at work. Are you being crushed? Perhaps it's the Holy Spirit working in your life, to bring Glory to God.
There's only one true Jesus. There's only one Son of God, that came to earth and died for our sins. A bank teller can tell counterfeit money right away, why? Because they've spent so much time with the real deal, they know when something else comes their way. Pastor Mark challenges us in today's message to commit ourselves to growing, in a deeper relationship with Jesus. He teaches us that to know Him more, we must spend more time with Him. We must seek Him through prayer, and through His word, that He's given to us. That's how you can know, the one and only true Jesus, against all the other fakes that are out there.
There are often two types of people out there, those that spend all their time in the books trying to figure things out, and those that get out there and DO things. You can spend all your time learning about something, but does that make you an expert? No! It's the experience that really counts. In today's message, Pastor Mark shares with us about the experience of a lifetime that Peter, James, and John had, all because they committed themselves to spending time, with Jesus. When it comes to your relationship with God, how committed are you to spending time with Him? Are you eager and excited to experience Him in your life?
There's a saying, “Whoever dies with the most toys, still dies.” How true is that? Our society, whether we like to admit it or not, is obsessed with the stuff! Now everybody has different stuff they like, but we all like our stuff! Pastor Mark challenges us in today's message to really consider what we're living for. The things of this world? Or are we living for eternity? When Jesus commanded His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him, what He was saying, was that we need to give up our life, and leave this world behind. Are you willing to do that? Is there anything holding you back from fully surrendering to Jesus?
The Roman cross was one of the most brutal forms of public execution, in the history of man. It wasn't like modern-day capital punishment, where you're given a last meal, and then given a lethal injection, and it's over... Not to minimize any form of execution, but crucifixion was horrific! In today's Message, Pastor Mark challenges us to think about what Jesus was saying, when He said, “if anyone desires to come after Me, He must take up His cross, and follow Me.” You might not go through the physical torture, excruciating execution, and public shaming that Christ endured, but what are you willing to give up, to follow Him?
People from all different beliefs and religions have varying ideas of who Jesus is. Some would say He's just a myth, while others say He's a prophet, or a teacher, or maybe just an inspirational story to tell. In today's Message, Pastor Mark is going to tell us who Jesus said He was, and why we should believe Him. Peter, one of Jesus' disciples believed that He was the Jewish Messiah sent from God, but the Jewish leaders of His day rejected this. When asked by these leaders, Jesus promised them a sign that would prove He was who He said. Have you seen the proof? Do you believe Him? Who do you say that He is?
You know that scene in the movies, the one where the character is standing outside in a desert wasteland, screaming at the sky, “God, if you're real, give me a sign....” And BOOM!... Thunder crashes, lightning strikes, and the rain start pouring down. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that God wants you to know that He is real, and He wants a relationship with you. God doesn't always give us a dramatic sign like the thunder and lightning we see in the movies, but he's given us His written word, which is everything we need, to know the truth about Him. If you're truly seeking Him, He will reveal Himself to you.
Do you ever feel inadequate? It's not uncommon to feel that way, especially when you scroll through social media. Everybody's showcasing their gifts and talents for the whole world to see. It can certainly make you feel less than capable of adding anything of value. Pastor Mark reminds us in today's message, that God isn't looking for those that would impress Him with their amazing talents, but He's looking for those that would serve Him in humility. Jesus said that God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. Are you putting on a show for God, or are you worshipping Him, from your heart?
Have you ever experienced the kind of desperation that Pastor Mark is talking about here? Maybe you've been in a spot where you didn't know how you were gonna pay your bills that were due. Maybe you were in a relationship that was falling apart and seemed hopeless. Pastor Mark Teaches us in today's message, that God sometimes allows us to experience times of desperation so that we'll see how much we need Him. Imagine being out in a hot dry desert, wouldn't you give anything to get just, one single drop of water? You need water to live. It's in those times of desperation, that we realize how much we need God.
Traditions can be a good thing, like sitting around the thanksgiving table and saying what you are thankful for, giving gifts at Christmas, or perhaps just saying grace before a meal. The problem is that sometimes we put so much emphasis on the traditions themselves, and forget what their original purpose was. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages us to think about the traditions that we have in practicing our faith. He challenges us to ask if they draw us closer to God? or do they replace true worship. Do the traditions you follow, come from men? or do they come from the truth of God's word?
Have you ever heard the story of the woman that cut off the end of the ham before putting it into bake? The story goes, that as she did this her young daughter asked her, “Mom, why did you cut off the end?” The truth was, she didn't actually know, and so then she asked her mother, who also didn't know, and in turn, asked her mother. Finally, an answer was found, and the reason was, that the ham was too large for the grandmother's dish and so the tradition was carried on... Today Pastor Mark challenges you and me to evaluate the traditions that we might hold. Does the way you worship God, come from His word? or the traditions of men?
What are you afraid of? What kind of “wind” and “waves” are you facing today? What circumstances have come up against you that would keep you from trusting in God? Isn't God more powerful than any challenge that comes our way? In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that God is always in control. He's the creator of everything, and even the wind and the waves obey Him. God only wants what's good for us, so if He calls you to do something, He's going to make a way for that to happen. He's not going to call you out into the storm, without giving you the power to do it. So the question is, “Will you step out of the boat?”
Everyone goes through storms in life. Some are more intense than others, but we all experience difficult times. Blue skies turn grey, the wind kicks up and the waves start tossing the boat around like a little toy. Pastor Mark teaches us in today's message that it's times like these where our faith is tested. I don't know about you, but I think most of us prefer smooth sailing. I think most people would like to kick back on the cruise ship until they reach their destination, but sometimes God has another plan. Sometimes He sends us right into that storm because that's when His power get's revealed in our lives.
Pastor Mark makes a good point here, what are you filling you're living with? Are you filling it with the passing pleasures of this world? Or are you filling your soul with the eternal goodness of God? Do you live only to feed your flesh for the moment? Or do you feed your spirit with the bread from heaven that will satisfy you forever? In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches us about two feasts that took place. One was in a palace filled with every delicacy and luxury that you could imagine, but it was also full of wickedness. The other feast was on a hillside by the sea and was simply dried fish and flatbread, but it was a blessing, that came from heaven!
Guilt, fear, and anxiety, seem to run rampant in our society today. There is all kind of different voices today saying “do this,” or “don't do that.” Whether it's from celebrities, politicians, or from your peers, it can be extremely overwhelming. Everyone experiences guilt, fear, and anxiety, at some point in their life, but the question is, how are you going to deal with it? Pastor Mark teaches us in today's message about a man, Herod, and his wife, Herodious that tried to cover up guilt they couldn't escape, but they just made matters worse. We learn that instead of hiding our guilt, fear, and anxiety, we can give them up, to Jesus.
Can you imagine the care of the potter as he forms a pot from the clay? He carefully shapes every curve to reflect his design. Or the attention the artist gives each brushstroke, slowly bringing the form to a blank canvas? As the artist creates, she gives her full attention to the work. She brings beauty from nothing and worth to otherwise simple materials. Has anyone cared for you that way? Today Pastor Mark reminds you that Jesus formed you, just as the potter forms the clay. He knows you. He made you in his image. He loves you. When you feel unseen, unknown, and unheard, remember: you are his masterpiece.
God always gives us the choice to love him or not. We weren't created as robots, programmed to always do God's will and love him with our whole being. He doesn't force himself on us. He doesn't want our mindless devotion. He wants our hearts. He wants us to choose. As Pastor Mark looks at the book of Matthew today, he shows us a sobering reality: one day, it will be too late to choose God. Even as they stand before God, some will still be angry and have hardened hearts, but others will be sorrowful for the choice they made on earth. Who can you share Jesus with one more time? Who do you know that needs to choose Jesus today?
Finishing well matters. You can run an entire marathon in the first place and lose it all in the last mile. The previous 25 miles will mean nothing! Anybody can have a great first day on the job, but will you continue to put in the effort, day in and day out? Can you finish as well as you started? God wants you to finish your Christian race well. He wants you to run every step with conviction until the day you cross over into eternity. Today, Pastor Mark warns that there will be pressure. You might get a cramp in your side halfway through. You might run out of water, and the sweat might be dripping into your eyes. But can you finish your race well?
There are lots of factors when it comes to planting and harvesting a crop. The amount of water, sun, temperature and the state of the soil all play a role in the seed growing as it should. If a crop fails, it's not because the seed itself failed. It's the result of an outside influence. Your heart is a field. Every day, the word of God is sown, but the success of the crop lies in the condition of your heart's soil. Sometimes, patience and gentleness are harvested. Other times, a crop of bitterness or envy grows. What's the difference? Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that the word of God never fails. It's the outside influences that cause failure.
Have you ever seen those reality TV shows, where they follow someone around with a camera 24/7? What if that was you? What if everything you ever said, and everything you've ever done, was recorded? In today's message, Pastor Mark tells us that one day every man, woman, and child will be held accountable for everything they've ever said. That is a scary thought! Think about your own life... Certainly, there are some good things, but everybody's got things they've done, and words they've said, that would not want to have come to light. Wouldn't you rather have Jesus take your slate, and wipe it clean?
Are you the type of person that likes to push your limits? Do you want to see how far you can take things and still get away with them? Maybe you've got it all figured out, and you'll reign it right at the last second... But do you know when that last second is gonna be? In today's message, Pastor Mark warns us about walking that kind of line. He warns us that there's a point of no return, and once it's been crossed, that's it. Are you holding out for “the last second” to turn to Jesus? Are you running as fast as you can in the opposite direction? Now is the time to turn to Him because tomorrow is promised to no one.
Can you imagine a life where you have a checklist for everything? Wouldn't that be tedious? First thing in the morning... “Open eyes... Check... Roll over... Check... sit up... Check....” I'll spare you the rest of the day, but you get the idea.... you'd be so focused on checking boxes that you'd miss out entirely on life itself..... In today's Message, Pastor Mark teaches us how much Jesus cares about the lives of individual people. The Pharisees were so busy ensuring their rules were followed that they'd forgotten about mercy and justice altogether. What do you care more about? Rules, Or People?
You know, there are certain things in life that are worth fighting for, and then there are things that just need to be let go. Sometimes it's easy to blur the line between the two. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in fighting over how we do things and forget why we do them. In pastor Mark's teaching today, we learn from the apostle Paul that it wasn't so important which day the church worships on, but the important thing was that we take a day to worship. In the old testament, the Sabbath day was a shadow of the rest that would come through Jesus. Now that He's come, don't you think we should put our focus on Him?
When was the last time you took a day off? Has it been a while? A few weeks? Months? Years? We all know the struggle of finding the time to rest, but when you do get that time to reboot, isn't it worth it? Doesn't it feel so good to give your batteries a little recharge? In today's Message, Pastor Mark teaches us about the Sabbath. What it is and isn't, and why we need it. God didn't just make up arbitrary rules to keep us from getting more done, but He had a plan in the way he designed us, and He gave us the Sabbath cause He knows what's good for us. So if you know what's good for you, then take some time – and rest.
Do you remember the old song “Jesus loves me this I know...?” Have you ever thought much about it? Have you ever stopped to think about how much He loves you? Pastor Mark teaches us in Today's message, that one of the ways Jesus shows His love for us, in His active pursuit of us. We know that He created us. We know He came to earth and walked among us, and He died on the cross for our sins.... but now that He's resurrected and sitting on the throne of heaven, did you know He's still calling you by name? Jesus loves YOU! - He loves you, and He's calling you by name. Have you answered His call? Have you said “yes” to receive His love?
Often we get to look at other people's influence and think of all the good they must be able to accomplish. “If only I had that kind of influence...” Or maybe you are shy and don't want that kind of attention and think, “What can I do at all?” In Today's Message, Pastor Mark teaches us that the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives matters. God used John the Baptist as the Holy Spirit came upon him to announce the arrival of Jesus. But now, if You're a believer in Jesus, He wants to use you to share the gospel's message with the world, and that's why He's given The Holy Spirit to come and live inside of you.
Have you ever had to readjust for unrealistic expectations? Like getting married or becoming a parent? You saw the best parts of other people's marriages or highlights of parenthood, but when your turn came, you realized how much work came with it. Pastor Mark teaches us that being a follower of Jesus isn't without its own share of difficulties in today's Message. Indeed, Jesus offers eternal life, a reward that no one else can match, but the road to get there, is a hard one to travel on. You can't be easily offended by the troubles that come your way, but you must trust that it's all going to be worth it.
Everyone makes sacrifices in life. Some people give up tasty treats like ice cream and candy bars to keep a slim figure. Some people live without sleep because time is money. What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Jesus? Pastor Mark teaches us in today's message that being a disciple of Jesus isn't easy. Following Jesus is more than checking a box on social media; it's a life-altering decision with a high price. It may be a job, a friendship, a relationship with a family member, or even your life, but the eternal reward is much greater. Are you willing to trust Jesus, no matter what the cost?
Does it ever feel like you're being singled out? Do you feel like no matter what you say or do, you just seem to have a target on your back? You could be the most excellent person, have a great work ethic, and have a squeaky-clean reputation, but because you are a Christian... Now you're enemy number one! Pastor Mark Reminds us in Today's message that Jesus warned His disciples about this. Jesus told His disciples that if the world hated Him, it would also hate them. Don't be afraid when you obey God; the world has it out for you. Fear God cause He's the one that matters when it comes to eternity.
Purifying requires heat. It requires firing and melting and re-firing and remelting. Over and over, the metal is made purer the more it goes through the fire. We will be refined, too; like everything else, it takes the heat. It takes trials and testing to draw out the impurities and leave us refined. The heat that refines metal would kill a flower. The same trials that bring a believer closer to God would completely shatter someone whose faith is not in God. Pastor Mark reminds us today that as the last days draw closer, the holy will be refined to be more religious, but the wicked will only become more and more evil.
The Bible clarifies that there will be trouble in this life on earth. We've all seen a glimpse of hardship, some more than others. No one has seen problems like the Jewish people, though. Enslaved, roaming in the wilderness, brought under captivity, and dominated by Hitler in World War 2. Can the Jewish people endure more? As we learn about the end times in the Bible, we know that the Jewish people will take more hardships than ever before. How can this be? Where's God in the midst of their troubles? Pastor Mark shows us today in the book of Daniel that God has not forgotten his people, nor will he ever. There is hope, even in the darkest hour.
Everybody likes good news. Can there be better news than finding out you landed that new job, having a good report from the doctor, or knowing your kids are coming home for Christmas? As impressive as all of those are, they don't compare to the good news you can find in the Bible. “Gospel” literally means good news. So what is the good news? Pastor Mark tells you today! You were dead in your sin, and Jesus made a way to bring you to life again. The record of every wrong you have ever committed has been erased, and in its place, your name can be found in the Book of Life. Good news indeed!
What is the impossible thing you can think of? Guessing a number your friend is thinking of? Trying to guess someone's name before meeting them? As daunting as those tasks may seem, being asked to imagine what someone dreamed of is way more complicated. It's impossible. But God specializes in the impossible. When the unthinkable happens, the only choice is to give God the glory. Today, Pastor Mark shows us an account of Daniel's life where God showed up and did what only God can do. As a result, not only were an incredible amount of lives saved, but Daniel was able to glorify God in front of a nation of unbelievers.
Have you ever had an imaginary argument with someone all in your own head? You think through every point they could come up with and try to decide what you will say to answer them. It can be exhausting! Not to mention stressful. What if there was a way to be prepared to answer without putting yourself through that stressful preparation? Pastor Mark reminds us today that in the Bible, God promises to give you the words to speak. You don't have to figure out all the answers. When God's allowed you to speak, say the words he gives you. Your preparation is reading the Bible, praying, and walking in the Spirit.
We often want to be on the front lines, leading the charge of advancing God's kingdom. We want to be the charismatic preacher with huge altar calls or the youth pastor all the kids adore. We want to start a movement, do something big, and make a huge impact. But what if the most significant effect is found when you kneel at your bed, alone, in prayer? A steady life spent in habits of reading the Bible and prayer is where the spiritual battles are fought. Today Pastor Mark reminds you that if you want to be on the front lines for Jesus, you should be on your knees with your nose in the book, day in and day out.
Do you ever find yourself getting scared of sharing the Gospel? I know I have before. How do you get over that fear? In today’s message, Pastor Mark tells us that we don’t need to be afraid to share the Gospel if we pray for courage! God wants these people saved, just as much as you probably do, so ask for His help! Even if you don’t feel ready to share the Gospel with people yet, you can always still pray for them! And you can ask God for help with that too! Ask God to teach you how to pray for people. Different people need to hear different things, right? God knows what those things are, so ask him to tell you how to pray for people!
Have you ever had a “bad deal?” Maybe you pay too much for something that’s not worth it, or you trade away something important for something that’s not. In today’s message, Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our lives to ensure we’re not changing eternal life for something minuscule like earthly gain! Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, doesn’t that seem ridiculous? Even if silver was much more valuable back then; it doesn’t seem like a good trade, does it? Are you sure you’re not trading away Jesus for your own small, temporary gain; when you could instead keep Jesus and receive eternal life?
Do you ever see a need in your church? Maybe it needs a better youth program, or maybe you see it lacking in organization. What do you do about that? Do you just tell some of the church leaders and hope for the best? Or do you work with those leaders to make the changes you think the church needs? In today’s message, Pastor Mark speaks about how; when we see a need in the church, that’s God putting that on our hearts! When God puts an issue on your heart, whose job is it to see that issue taken care of? It’s yours, right? You can’t expect the church to make the changes that you think they need!
Have you ever been in a “hopeless” situation? Most of us have before. In Christ though; we don’t need to feel hopeless! In today’s message, Pastor Mark speaks about when Jesus said to “make room” for him. That meant never letting hopelessness take all of the room in our hearts, we need room for Him! So how do we “make room” for Jesus in our hearts? Well, how do you make room in a stuffed closet? You start by taking out things you don’t need. In this case; fear, lust, anger, resentment… those sorts of things. Once you have room for Jesus, all you have to do is ask him to come on in!
Do you remember your first time going to church? For some of us, we’ve been going our whole lives; not even thinking about it anymore. But try to put yourself in the position of someone who’s never been. Does church seem all that inviting? What can you do in your church to make it seem more welcoming? In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that; while we can’t let sin into the church, it’s supposed to be a place for sinners like us! Think of it like a hospital! If everyone in a hospital pretended they were healthy, and stopped any sick people from going there, then nobody would ever think they need healing!
Have you ever had a prayer answered? Did anyone notice? Have you ever come close to feeling like it’s “thanks to you” that it happened? It’s a feeling that needs to be fought! In today’s message, Pastor Mike reminds us that God’s miracles are for His Glory! Too many quote-unquote “Christian” organizations today, and even throughout history; have tried to give the credit for these miracles to the pastors and priests. Not on the actual performer of the miracles; God. If you’re asking God to perform miracles in order to make yourself look better, then something’s very wrong!
Have you ever felt like God couldn’t possibly want to help you because you don’t have enough faith? In today’s message, Pastor Mark compares us to Lazarus; the man Jesus brought back to life. Pretty hard to have faith when you’re dead, right? So why would Jesus heal a man who couldn’t show him respect? Jesus healed Lazarus because others had faith in Jesus. What Pastor Mark says about this is that sometimes you just can’t have faith, but that doesn’t mean nobody else can, right? If you’re at a point where you can’t find the faith to ask God for help, ask others to pray for you on their own behalf!
The demons in our lives can come in many different forms. It’s not always physical beings that torment us. The struggles, toil, and difficulties in our lives can be viewed as “demons.” Today in his message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that you need to let Jesus use His power against the demons in your life. No matter how perfect your life may seem or even if the struggles in your life seem like a coincidence, spiritual warfare is happening all around. If you keep trying to take care of it on your own you will never succeed. Only God can save you. Surrender yourself to Him and be set free from Satan’s shackles.
It’s safe to say that most of us have been confronted with demons at one time or another. Whether it’s in movies, television, or books, demons have been a fixture of our media for a long time. In today’s message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that you can’t treat demons just as fantasy and need to take them seriously. The way demons infiltrate our lives is not like what we see in the media. You’re not fighting monsters or getting tortured, they penetrate your heart through the little things. When you share the gospel with the world, Satan does everything possible to get in the way but don’t fear, God will never leave your side.
As Christians, we know that demons exist, but do we really take it to heart? Maybe you’ve seen them in movies or read about them in books, but do you see them as more than just a story? In today’s message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that spiritual warfare is very real and you need to harness God’s power against them. Demons come in many different forms. It could be anything from back pain to the power going out at a church service. When we actively work to further God’s kingdom, demons work just as hard to disrupt the growth. You have nothing to fear. God is working through you. Use His power and be set free from the torment.
Do you know where you stand in eternity? When you consider what will happen to you after this life are you sure of what’s next? Today in his message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that God is beckoning you to join Him in His kingdom. He’s always loved you and has always had a place prepared for you. Don’t waste your time chasing things of this world that are only temporary. Listen to God’s calling on your life and put your focus on things that last forever. If you want to free yourself from the worries of what eternity is for you, seek after God and be secure in His promise of everlasting life in Heaven.
Throughout our journey of life, we are constantly making mistakes. No one is born perfect and we strive to do our best. Even when we think we’re staying strong and not messing up, at some point failure is still inevitable. When you’re at rock bottom with seemingly nowhere to turn, what do you do? In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that like a disease, sin will run rampant in your life if you let it in. All it takes is letting a little bit of it in at a time and before you realize it, it will destroy you. Jesus died in your place and wants to save you from yourself. End the things in your life that you hate through His unending grace.
Taking direction and responding to discipline can be some of the hardest things to do. It’s easy to listen to what we’re being asked to do, but when does the rubber actually meet the road? In our individualistic society, independence is pushed above everything else and we’ve been trained to make decisions for ourselves. In today’s message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that if want to see real change in your life you need to submit yourself to God. It’s not enough to only listen to what He wants from you. Action needs to be made and you need to serve Him consistently. Claim your stake in eternity and be saved through Jesus’ sacrifice.
With so many different forms of media dominating our current culture, it’s easy to get sucked into false teachings. Whether it’s self-help, motivation, or academia, we are always being told what we have to do to have the life we want. As Christians, we need to look at what’s going on inwardly with those who teach God’s Word. In today’s message, Pastor Mark explains that there will always be great speakers and pastors teaching the Bible, you need to discern whether or not they are true of God. It doesn’t matter whether or not they’re an incredible speaker, dress well, or make you laugh. Discern through God’s wisdom and ask the hard questions.
Most of us are familiar with the story of Noah’s Ark, but do we ever relate it to our world today? It’s not just some story that has no relevance to us. We need to see the issues in our world today as being eerily similar to that of Noah’s time. When the “flood” comes, will you be ready? Will you be able to say that you trust Jesus? God has always had you in his heart and He is beckoning you to join Him in Heaven. The only way to be saved is through Jesus, who sacrificed himself in your place. Don’t wait until the last minute and live with the regrets of who you could’ve been through Him. Surrender yourself to God and be transformed.
As Christians, fellowship with other believers is one of the most important things for us to partake in. Unfortunately, we often sink into our routines and forget to challenge our brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, Pastor Mark wants you to know that you need to utilize your Christian relationships to challenge others and be challenged. You should never be afraid to address other believers on issues that you know aren’t right. When the fruit from someone’s life isn’t lining up with who they say they are, take the initiative and confirm where they stand in Christ. Don’t stop there, always be checking for where you stand in Christ. If your fruit isn’t right, something’s wrong.
It’s safe to say that everyone worries. No matter if life is in a good or bad place, we always manage to find something to worry about. Today in his message, Pastor Mark explains that instead of focusing on your everyday problems, focus on God and His provisions for your life. Give it all to Him and He will deliver you. In the ups and downs of our everyday lives, it’s easy to let our worries completely consume us. Stop putting the burden on yourself and let God handle it for you. The worries of life will never stop coming and He will always be there for your needs. Stake your claim in His kingdom and accept His promise of eternity.
Have you ever experienced darkness in your life and been unable to find the source? Have you ever expected more from yourself but fallen short? Today, Pastor Mark explains that you will become whatever you consume. If you want to experience God’s goodness, take in only what’s good and remove the bad. If you let Jesus guide your life you will experience goodness and grace like never before. He will empower you to conquer your shortcomings and overcome the things that are holding you back. Accept God’s free gift of grace and be saved from yourself. Be transformed and leave your old ways behind.
Have you ever tried to pad out an essay or a writing project? Whenever someone tries to do that, they normally fill in every gap they can find with extra words to make it seem like they have more to say. In today’s message, however; Pastor Mark explains that we might often do this with prayer as well! While it’s not a bad thing to pray for long periods, if you’re trying to extend a prayer just for the sake of sounding like you’re more spiritual or have more faith or whatever; it’s completely disingenuous. God knows what we need before we even think to ask him. So why should we try and complicate those needs with more words?
You know how some popular influencers will sometimes post photos or videos of themselves hanging out with those less fortunate than most others? Does it really help those in need? Not really, it just looks like a poor attempt and trying to convince your followers exactly just how good of a person they are! In today’s message, Pastor Mark speaks about how we are called to give “with our left hand, without our right hand knowing.” But you’re always going to know what both of your hands are doing, so what gives? What this phrase actually means is ‘giving as discretely as possible, so that even your hands couldn’t tell.’
“I swear…” in other words; “I promise” or “I guarantee” – you’ve probably said one at some point. In today’s message, Pastor Mark speaks about what it truly means to swear on something. Whether it be sworn on your heart, your mother’s grave, or even your life itself! Pastor Mark showcases old rabbis, who would constantly swear on behalf of the Bible, even if they were either wrong, or downright lying! What does it show for the thing you swear on if you’re wrong? If you swear on the Bible, then go on to tell a complete lie, or even just a half truth, that reflects pretty poorly on the Word of God then, doesn’t it?
Have you ever gone out of your way to intentionally avoid someone you were at odds with? It might seem like avoiding them is the easy thing to do, but in reality, you’re letting it take over your whole life. As uncomfortable and awkward as it may be, it will be far, far easier on the other side of making amends. Not only is it easier, but it’s also what Jesus commands you to do! A grudge is not just a grudge to Jesus. It’s murder. It’s sin. Pastor Mark reminds us today that sin has to be dealt with. First with repentance to God, yes. But then you need to make amends with whoever it is that you are holding the grudge against.
The Bible isn’t just a book. It’s more than words printed in ink on pages of paper. It’s more than just history, poetry, and teachings written by humans thousands of years ago. It’s not just a set of good principles to model your life after. It’s not just a book, it’s the Word of God. The Bible says that Jesus himself is the Word of God. See, if we try to pick and choose which parts of the Bible we are going to believe, we are picking and choosing which parts of Jesus we are going to believe. Today Pastor Mark implores us to believe all of it. The importance of this can’t be overstated: what you believe about the Bible will be remembered for all eternity.
Christians are called to seek peace. Whether at home, the workplace or with those you may be at odds with, we are called to seek peace whenever possible. But it’s not a call to peace at all costs. Peace should never come at the expense of truth. That kind of peace is simply a bad witness to who God is. We should look to God as our example of a peacemaker. He will always give peace to anyone who asks for it – as long as they come with a repentant heart. Nobody can truly be at peace with God if they haven’t accepted the truth of who he is. Pastor Mark reminds us today that we should not forget truth in our seeking for peace.
The best things in life require a sacrifice. Marriage requires a sacrifice of singleness and independence. The best mountain view requires a physical sacrifice. Following Jesus requires sacrifice as well. Have you said yes to the sacrifice Jesus is asking of you? Jesus doesn’t ask everyone to be a martyr. Although you may have to give your life one day, there’s probably a smaller, everyday thing God is asking you to give up in order to be closer to him. Today, Pastor Mark teaches us the importance of saying yes to whatever that sacrifice is, whether it’s time, sleep, money, or attention. The effort is worth the reward.
If someone asked you to make a building plan for a skyscraper or design a new kind of rocket, could you do it? If you were asked to teach kindergarten, could you come up with a lesson plan? The only way you can do any of those things is if you have received the proper training. So what happens when God calls you to do something you don’t feel trained to do? When God calls you to do something, it’s not your job to figure out exactly how you will do it. Your job is just to say yes and follow where God leads. Pastor Mark encourages you today that God will make you whatever it is that he wants you to be.
Human beings crave comfort. Most of the decisions you make are based on what will be most comfortable: what car you drive, the house you live in, the clothes you wear, and maybe even which church you choose to attend. But what happens when Jesus calls you into uncomfortable situations? Following Jesus means laying down your own rights, even your right to be comfortable. All throughout Jesus' life, we see an example of living uncomfortably in order to preach the gospel. Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus didn’t cause a disturbance just to be difficult though. His stand for truth made the way for our salvation.
Are you good at memorizing things? There’s freedom that comes from knowing something so well you don’t have to look it up. Knowing your spouse’s birthday is coming up before seeing it on a calendar is extremely helpful. In the same way, knowing Scripture before you enter a rough season of life is invaluable. To be able to quote Scripture the moment you need it is to truly use it as a weapon. The Bible says that the word of God is a sword. You wouldn’t want your sword to be back home when you are out on the battlefield, would you? Today, Pastor Mark shows us the importance of having Scripture memorized.
Would you go bungee jumping on a cable that’s never gone through any testing? Or go skydiving with an instructor who has never jumped out of a plane? No way! Testing products is not just an annoying step of development, it’s essential to make sure it does what it says it can do. Talk is cheap, in life and in your faith. Talk doesn’t mean much when it comes to faith. You can say that you trust God no matter what, but until that’s put to the test, you really just have faith in yourself, not God. Today Pastor Mark reminds you that your testing is not in vain. God isn’t just trying to annoy you or give you a hard time, he’s growing your faith.
Do you enjoy going to the dentist? Probably not, but one thing that makes it a little more bearable is Novocain. There’re stages to getting numb. First, the drug is near you. The dentist has it in his hand and you’re comforted that you don’t have to do this without meds. Then, the drug is in you. At first, nothing happens. But soon, the power of the drug comes upon you. When the power is upon you, the work can begin. Like Novocain, the Holy Spirit has stages too. Today, Pastor Mark shows us that the Holy Spirit being with you and in you are necessary and important. But the real work begins when he comes upon you.
We all know that actions speak louder than words. It doesn’t mean much if someone says they love you, but then they ignore you or treat you terribly. You can say that someone matters to you but tell a different story with your actions. Ultimately, it’s your actions that will paint a truer story of what you believe. Your relationship with Jesus requires action. It isn’t enough to just say that he is Lord, even the demons admit that. It isn’t even enough to simply acknowledge that he died on the cross. Today Pastor Mark shows us that the action required to prove your love for Jesus is repentance. Repentance reveals what you truly believe.
If you were raising a king, where would you choose to live? You would probably want a nice place with a low crime rate and great schools. You might look for a great neighborhood with good kids to make friends with and clean, safe parks to play in. Mary and Joseph would have chosen the same. But God was choosing where to raise Jesus, not his earthly parents. God chose to have Mary and Joseph raise the King of the Jews in the poorest, dirtiest town. As Pastor Mark shows us today, this made it so we can relate to Jesus. Jesus doesn’t desire to keep us at a distance. He wants to invite us in to be part of his family. We are all welcome.
Most royals are born with the right to inherit their title. Princes and princesses don’t have to earn anything, they will simply begin ruling when their time comes. This was not the case for King Herod, though. He forced his way onto the throne and did anything needed to keep his position there. Why was Jesus such a threat to Herod? Because he wasn’t just a prince at his birth. He wasn’t just in line to become the King of the Jews; He was called a King at birth. Today, Pastor Mark shows us that to Herod, and all who don’t believe, the birth of Jesus meant war. But to those who believe, it means peace.
If you grew up attending church, you probably know the story of Jesus’ birth from memory. Even if you didn’t attend church regularly, the image of Mary and Joseph surrounded by animals and their new baby is familiar. But how much have you thought about Joseph’s role in Jesus’ birth? As Pastor Mark looks today at Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth, he sheds new light on Joseph and his part in the process. He wasn’t Jesus' father, and he had every right to see the punishment of stoning Mary through. But his character and devotion to Mary and God gave him a compassionate, loving response instead.
Have you ever been shocked to see someone at church? It could be that it’s someone you know personally and you are surprised because you know the kind of life they live. Or maybe you don’t even know the person but they just don’t really look, smell, or act the part? Today Pastor Mark begins teaching through the book of Matthew, and you’ll see some interesting characters following Christ! It’s easy to look at others as not being “right” for Christianity. But if you’re being honest, is anyone really right before they come to Christ? You are just as much of a sinner as the one you are shocked to see sitting in the pew next to you.
Pastor Mark has been following Paul through his missionary journeys in the book of Acts, but now Paul is in chains on his way to Rome for a trial. And not only that but he’s been shipwrecked and bitten by a snake! He was in the middle of a trial when things just seemed to keep getting darker. In every dark and frightening step of the way, God was taking care of Paul. Pastor Mark is here to remind you and me today that no matter how dark and frightening life may seem, God is still the one in control! So if you’ve been shipwrecked and snakebit and you’re headed to trial, remember that God is still in control.
What is it that God has promised you? He promised Paul that he would get him to Rome. Paul was probably thinking he’d get there through a journey on a ship, but he probably never imagined he would get there through trials and imprisonment and shipwreck and snakebites! Pastor Mark reminds us today that what God has promised to do, he is going to do. But sometimes God doesn’t do things in the way you would expect. Have you been shipwrecked and bitten by snakes on your way to where God’s bringing you? Don’t lose hope! No matter what it takes, God is always fulfilling his promises!
Is your life a shipwreck right now? Then you’re in great company! The apostle Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome for trial. He washed up on the shore of that island with nothing but the clothes on his back. Now, some people may say that when you’re shipwrecked and everything is lost, you’re not good for much and can’t be used by God for someone else. Pastor Mark reminds us today that God can use your shipwrecked life! Even if you’ve lost everything in the storm, God can still work through you to reach another person. He can draw someone to himself through your story—through your testimony.
After Paul’s ship was wrecked in a giant storm, he and everyone else on the ship made it safely to an island. Pastor Mark is going to show us today that the island’s name meant, “honey.” The island was a sweet place of refuge after the storm. Pastor Mark reminds us today that God allows the storms in our lives to help us grow, but that after the bitterness of the storm, He also wants to restore us. Are you going through a storm today? Keep holding on to Jesus. Keep holding on to hope. God hasn’t left you and He never will! He has a sweet, sweet place of refuge for you for when your storm is over.
There are different kinds of storms. Some of them God allows to come in order to refine and grow us. Some of them simply result from living in a broken world. And some of them we cause for ourselves. Pastor Mark asks the question today, are you in a storm that you’ve caused by your own sinful behavior? There is only one answer for escaping the storms you’ve caused yourself. Repent and run back to Jesus! The storm is God getting your attention and calling you to him. Pastor Mark is here to remind you today that when you repent and return to Jesus, the storm will pass. He is your safe and pleasant harbor.
The loudest testimony you have can be one where you don’t speak a word. Every person on earth goes through trials. That’s just part of being human and living on earth. But when a follower of Jesus goes through the trials, we have an opportunity to show the world who God is by how we respond to the difficulties. Pastor Mark shows us that our testimony rests on our responses to the trouble around us. And sometimes you might fail, but at that moment all you need to do is ask God to grow you! He is the one who grows us and makes our testimony ring true to a watching world. Ask God to grow your testimony today!
Pastor Mark brings up a really great point today about how much of the Bible we choose to believe. When a person picks and chooses which parts to believe or not believe, it makes the entirety unbelievable. When you choose which parts of Jesus you like and others that you don’t, you erode the truth. So when it comes to scripture, take it all! When you take every part of scripture you don’t have to wonder if it’s reliable or trustworthy. You don’t have to wonder if Jesus is reliable. So, let’s dive into scripture with Pastor Mark today. The truth of scripture will answer every question you have.
Is your God too small? Pastor Mark points out today that we can say we believe in the God of the bible but still forget how great and awesome he truly is. You might believe pretty easily for the small stuff—the headaches of life. But what about when it gets big? Pastor Mark is going to show you today that a headache and a life-threatening illness both answer to the same God. They both answer to the great and awesome and powerful God of the Bible. So, when we face big trials, big questions, and big struggles, we can still run to the same God and believe that he is more than able to take care of it all. How big is your God today?
When you take a look at the time Jesus spent on earth, you’ll see many, many times where he faced accusations from his enemies. When you look at the lives of the disciples, you’ll see much of the same! So why does it surprise us when we encounter false accusations at the hands of the enemies of Christ? Pastor Mark reminds us today that when we follow Christ everything doesn’t always smell like roses. Sometimes we face hardships and trials and accusations. But because you stand pure before Christ and before God, no one will be able to prove them. Take hope from knowing you’re following in the footsteps of Jesus.
When you think about the really difficult seasons in your life, how easy is it for you to say those troubles were “light and momentary?” Pastor Mark shows us from the life of Paul today that even though the trials can be huge and lasting, they’re still nothing compared to the glory God has waiting for you. When you consider eternity, an eternity spent with God, an eternity void of pain or suffering, you gain a new perspective on the trials faced here on earth. Nothing that you face here amounts to anything when you put it in the perspective of eternity. As Paul says, it’s all “light and momentary!”
It’s so easy to forget how much God loves your neighbor when he blasts his music at 3 am. It’s easy to forget how much God loves your boss when she is yelling at you. But God doesn’t forget. Pastor Mark tells us today that God loves the people around you so much that he placed you in their lives. So take a look around today. Whose life does God want you to touch with his love? Where are your opportunities to share the gospel? And when you see an opening, jump in. Jump in with both feet and don’t hold back. Don’t forget that you are the messenger God sent because of how much he loves them.
Paul faced some very difficult and trying times, and in the middle of them, he was able to testify to God’s goodness and to the gospel. It seems the harder things got, the more Paul spoke boldly, and the more glory was given to God. No matter what it is you face in this life, don’t lose your boldness for the gospel. Pastor Mark is going to show us today that the reward is worth the trial. That thing you’re facing that feels larger than life, the one that has you awake all night worrying, it’s nothing. It’s nothing compared to the glory that waits for you. And in the middle of the trial, you have the chance to bring God glory!
Pastor Mark is sharing a story of the days right after his conversion when he ended up spending time in jail because of crimes he committed before he came to know Christ. Most people would look at jail time as a horrible event, but Pastor Mark followed the example of Paul and used the time to worship. What are you facing right now? Pastor Mark was facing jail time and he used it to worship and lead people to Christ. No matter what you’re facing, God can and will use it for his glory. He will use it for His purposes. Open your eyes and watch him work in the middle of the hardest circumstances. He knows what He’s doing!
Have you ever stepped out in faith for something you know God has called you to do? Moses did that once. He tried to use his own power to free the Israelites. He knew he was supposed to do it, he just had the timeline wrong. Way wrong. Pastor Mark asks the question today, what do we do when that happens?
It’s hard to imagine what the apostle Paul would be doing and saying in America today. Would he be at the heart of riots like he was back then? Why did riots and violence always seem to follow the man who came with the message of the gospel? What was it about his message that was so offensive to the world? Pastor Mark is working his way through the book of Acts, and today we’re tracking with him as he follows Paul. Paul was a man of no compromise and it often led him to be in the middle of conflicts. The message of the gospel is contrary to the world. Are you willing to share it anyway? Will you join the fight?
Pastor Mark is continuing through the book of Acts today. Paul is speaking before the governing bodies and begins his speech with “I have a good conscience before God.” Hearing this begs the question, do you have a good conscience before God? Pastor Mark is going to show us from scripture how a good conscience is essential to ministry. So, stop for a moment and do some self-evaluation. Has your ministry been effective? If not, is there something you’re trying to hide that’s holding you back? The great news is that God is always standing ready to forgive and wash you clean. Bring the hidden places to him today!
God crafted your story from the beginning with a specific purpose in mind. He has singled you out to reach someone. He prepared each of your steps ahead of time to make you uniquely able to connect with another person that he’s calling. Pastor Mark is going to show you the power of your story today by going through Paul’s story. You may have portions of your life you wish you could forget, but God never wastes anything. He’s not going to waste any part of your life. He will redeem it as you step up and share it with people! Take a step of faith today and watch all the amazing things he does!
Pastor Mark is diving into Paul’s testimony he shared with the Jews, and he’s going to show you the strategies that Paul used! If you’ve ever shied away from sharing your story with someone else, this is the message for you! Paul was sharing with a hostile crowd in today’s passage, but he skillfully finds the common ground. There is immense power in sharing your story, and Pastor Mark is going to show you how to share more effectively and fearlessly today! Think about the person you’ve been too shy to tell your story to. What do you have in common with them that can help you show them the way to Jesus?
The church is one! Today Pastor Mark is diving into the conflict in the early church between Jew and Gentile. The Jewish believers felt that the Gentiles needed to follow the entire law in order to be followers of Christ, but that’s not how it is. God made a way for each of us to be in a relationship with him without the barrier of the law. When Jesus died and was raised to life again, he paved the way for us. We can’t add anything or take away anything from salvation—it comes only through faith in Christ! And, as Pastor Mark says, you and I are one in Christ. There is nothing that separates you from any other believer.
When your eyes are opened and you come to understand the mystery of the gospel, all you want to do is share it with the people around you. In this teaching, Pastor Mark talks about our testimonies and the power that they hold. But they won’t always be received instantly, the way we would want them to be. Sometimes people will think you’re crazy, just like Pastor Mark! But it’s ok! Get out there and tell your story. As we will see in the rest of the message, there’s great power in telling others our story of faith. God works in mighty ways when you have the courage to tell your story and maybe look a little crazy!
As in all things, there are seasons in ministry. Pastor Mark is going to talk about the seasons of ministry as they relate to parenting in part of today’s message. Phillip was one of the guys who was chosen to lead the church in the role of deacon. He was active in leadership and was even the one who was moved by the Spirit to the road where the Ethiopian traveled. But as Pastor Mark shows us, later he had daughters at home. He’s no longer popping through space to do ministry. His ministry has changed because of his family. If you feel held back in ministry because of your family, remember that it comes in seasons!
Pastor Mark is talking about what it means to raise your children up within the kingdom of God today. It takes a lot of effort to show them the way! At the end of your day, you can make the choice to kick back and put your feet up. You can zone out to your favorite tv show. Or you can invest in the lives of your kids. Pastor Mark is going to show you today that it’s worth putting off relaxation. It’s worth missing a show. It’s worth staying awake an hour longer! Everything that you invest in your children is going to grow them in the kingdom. Not because you’re so great, but because the word of God is living and powerful to save!
Pastor Mark is covering the topic of investing in the kingdom today. We all understand to some degree what it means to save our money in accounts that will create interest. You put your savings into a savings account and gain a certain percentage over time. When we invest in the kingdom, it works the same way. But when you think about the spread of the gospel, it won't be a paltry percentage gained each quarter. All it took was 12 people in the early church and the gospel spread like wildfire throughout the known world! Every deposit you make in the kingdom can bring back infinite rewards! Think of the possibilities!
Pastor Mark is working his way through the book of Acts, where we see the Apostle Paul on his missionary journey. Everywhere he goes, he’s told through prophetic words that he’s going to be beaten and imprisoned, but Paul keeps on going. Why is that? Paul knows that he is called to be a minister of the gospel. Nothing is going to stop him in his calling. What about you? What is it that God has called you to do? And what would stop you from completing it? Maybe your friends don’t think it’s a great idea. Or maybe your family mocks you for your choices. Take courage from Paul’s example today and stay faithful!
None of us is perfect. None of us succeeds at everything we do. But that doesn’t mean we stop, especially when it comes to the kingdom of God! Pastor Mark shows us today that the ultimate end of the kingdom of God is total and complete victory! So, since you know you’re on the winning side, you have the freedom to dive in headfirst. You have the freedom to fail spectacularly, and then get back up and start over again. Listen to the Spirit and do what he says. And no matter what happens you’ll be on the right track. Jump into that freedom today. Revel in the freedom that ultimate victory provides for you!
Did you know that you are called to ministry? When you think of someone who is "called", what do you picture? Maybe a pastor or a missionary. But Pastor Mark reminds us today that as a member of the body of Christ, each and every one of you is called to minister. You are called. And today you can come along with us and take a look at the ministry of Paul. So, let’s jump in together and learn what it means to be a minister of God because there is a hurting world out there. They need Jesus, and you may be the only one who is positioned to bring Jesus to them. It’s a holy calling, and you’re just the person for the job!
God knows you. He sees and knows everything, so if there’s one thing he can handle, it’s the truth! Pastor Mark reminds us today that we can bring the truth to God, no matter what it is. And when we bring the truth—that we aren’t as into the things of God as we would like to be—he can do his work in us. He can take our apathy and turn it into a hotly burning fire for his word. you used to be, take Pastor Mark’s advice today and bring that truth to God! Let him work in your heart to reignite the flame. And then watch what he does in and through you!
Paul did three things very well. First, he was diligent to go. Second, he was diligent to do, and third, he was diligent to listen. When you look at your own life, have you gone when God says “go”? Have you done what God says to do? And have you listened for his voice along the way? Hebrews 11 tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Each of these three things, going, doing, and listening, requires great faith. Take a page out of Paul’s book today; listen for God’s voice and commit to being diligent in whatever he tells you to do!
Pastor Mark is encouraging you to make a scene today – well, kind of…he wants you to make a commotion for Jesus! But – before you go out in the street whooping and hollering, pause and listen to today’s message. There’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Pastor Mark will share how important it is today to know that there’s an enemy of faith – Satan – and he’s going to do his best to thwart everything you do for Jesus. Know that upfront – whatever you do for the Lord is going to be known by Satan! But – that doesn’t mean he gets to win. You have Jesus on your side, and that’s better than anything!
What Pastor Mark just said is a little terrifying – if you’re not a son or daughter of the Lord, then why would He be for you? You’re rejecting Him – choosing to ignore His ways – so don’t expect Him to be in your corner! It’s not an easy thought to have, but it’s one that you should consider today – especially if you’ve not yet given your life to Him! So what are you going to do about it? Are you going to keep pretending that everything’s fine and that there’s plenty of time to fix your life later? Or are you going to finally decide to come to Jesus? There’s so much more life to be found in Jesus – so choose to be part of His family today!
The Holy Spirit gives us incredible gifts or abilities that can only be explained by the work of God in your life. The gifts you have may not look the same as the person next to you, but that’s ok – that’s what the Holy Spirit has given you. So what do you do with those gifts? Well, Pastor Mark shares today that the intention is for you to use them for God’s Glory, to help others, and bring honor to your Heavenly Father! But sadly, some people misuse these precious giftings of God. They turn them around for their own good and even use them to hurt others. You’ll be warned to beware of these people, and to seek the truth before relying on their “gifts”
What do you need to turn your back on today? If you’re having trouble knowing what that is, close your eyes and imagine Jesus. Look at him. Turn your whole body to face him. Now take a look back over your shoulder. What’s there? It may be your pride. It could be the brand-new car you really want to buy instead of giving to God. Maybe it’s the flirtation you’ve started at work.
None of us can do this life on our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden and encourage us. We have chances every day to speak up in the name of Jesus—to declare the good news that through his death and resurrection he has provided a way to God and to new life. But without the power of the Holy Spirit, we would all pass up that chance every time.
When you think about your life, are you walking in the Spirit and in victory? Or do you feel like that is something that is lacking in your life? One possibility is just what Pastor Mark is going to dive into today. You might be unrepentant, which simply means you might be holding onto the things in your life that you know are not good. You haven’t surrendered them to Jesus.
When you bring your offering to God—whether it is in song, in tithe, in the work that you do, or in the things you create—it doesn’t matter how popular you are. It doesn’t matter how powerful you are. It doesn’t matter how much influence you have. God isn’t looking for the strongest or the most powerful. He is looking for a heart that loves him. When you bring him your offering with a heart that is turned toward him, he is well pleased! So bring your offering to him today! Bring him the first and the best of everything you are and everything you have! And bring it to him with a heart that is turned toward him in gratitude.
The enemy wants you to keep silent and he will do everything he can to either intimidate you, distract you or discourage you. But as Pastor Mark says, you’ve got a stronger power on your side and you are unstoppable! The Spirit lives within you and this is the same Spirit that brought Jesus back to life, conquering the grave! So don’t let the tactics of the enemy keep you quiet. Raise your voice and declare the goodness of our God. You’ve got the Spirit backing you all the way! You have everything you need to break the silence and share the good news with everyone you meet, so get out there and do it! Show the enemy you’re not afraid.
Paul was one of the most extraordinary characters of the beginning of the church. He went fearlessly into every synagogue and to the Gentiles, preaching and teaching about the crucified Christ, even in the middle of persecution, imprisonment, and beatings. He seemed unstoppable! Pastor Mark shows us today that Paul came to a point where he was afraid, and God had to speak to him through a vision in the night. Nothing that Paul did was in his own power and bravery. And just like him, we are capable of great and mighty acts of valor, but we can’t do it without the Spirit of God inside of us.
The apostle Paul provided us with one of the greatest examples of how ministry should be done as we spread the gospel. He worked to support himself and didn’t ask to be supported by the people he was teaching. In this way, no one could accuse him of having ulterior motives for sharing what he shared. But, when believers sent support or came to assist him, more of his time was freed up to share the gospel, and he did! He shared the gospel with anyone who would listen every chance he had. Pastor Mark will show us how to have faith and a ministry like Paul’s in today’s message.
The truth is, there are a million reasons to believe the Bible. It has been proven over and over. We can share like Pastor Mark says, the history and the syntax. We can make eloquent arguments based on historical events and scientific evidence. When you strip all that away, however, we are still left with one simple but powerful truth. And that truth is more compelling than every argument put together. The truth is that Jesus died and rose again and that he has the power to change lives from the inside out. There is no argument more powerful than the one you show the world every day through the changes in you.
You can tell when someone is hungry for something to eat. They scan the area, hunting down anything that will satisfy them. But many times, they can’t find something that’s truly filling and satisfying. In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark shares how this was for Paul in the city of Athens. They were hungry for more than their idols. As you listen today, you’ll get a better understanding of the things that mattered to these people, and what their response was to such bold statements that Paul was making. It may even cause you to think or wonder about what you present to others about God and what you believe. Are you making a difference?
When you’re speaking to a crowd, you have to know the type of people you’re speaking to. Whether it’s to a political group of people, or a religious organization, or even the audience at a Comedy Club, it’s important to be able to read the type of crowd that you’re speaking to and have a pretty good idea of how they’ll respond. In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will talk about a passage where Paul was speaking to people who weren’t familiar with the salvation he was speaking of. Of course, some were receptive to what he had to say, while others weren’t. But what about you today. Are you reading the crowd you’re around and speaking truth?
Imagine you’re making this gourmet meal from scratch and you’re recalling all the ingredients from memory. But there’s just something missing…that one ingredient that makes all the difference. The meal isn’t the same without it, and you can’t go on making this meal minus that ingredient. What could it be? What you’ll find out today is that Pastor Mark wants you to know about that missing ingredient for your spiritual appetite. It’s God’s Spirit within you that makes all the difference from someone who’s just average, making it through life on caffeine, to someone who’s working in lives in a supernatural way!
How you approach someone on a topic can make or break how they receive that information. If you’re tender-hearted toward their hurt, or empathetic about where they are, you’re more likely to be heard and understood after that. You never know how your manner and your kindness in what you say can have an impact. In today’s teaching, Pastor Mark will explain many important things about how you relate to others. If you’re abrasive in what you say to them, it will be taken poorly and your opportunity for more conversations will likely be very few. But if you talk to people with grace and compassion, it goes a long way!
In a world where every person’s opinion is the final word, your opinion as a Christian isn’t going to change anyone’s mind. Your opinion is powerless. But we have been given words with power in them! Today Pastor Mark shares that the words of scripture have an authority that cannot be fully denied or ignored. When you stand on the word of God, the power of God that is living and active in his word cannot be denied. So we need to know our scripture! Get into the book and start tapping into the power that comes from the word of God. Pastor Mark gives us a great reminder today that we have all the power we need.
Pastor Mark tells us today that your opinion matters when it comes to what to eat or what to wear, but when it comes to eternity and truth, your opinion doesn’t mean a thing. There’s a higher truth than what you feel like believing today. Everyone has an opinion that they’re shouting at the top of their lungs like the loudest person is going to win. But the truth is, there is a truth out there, and we can only find it in scripture. My opinion, your opinion? They’re just our ideas, no matter how loudly we express them. If you want to know the truth, stop listening to the shouts of men and listen to the whisper of God.
Sometimes God must shake the dirt of the world off you. And it can be scary! But when your feet are planted on the rock of Jesus Christ your faith can’t be shaken. You will stand your ground and trust firmly in the Lord no matter what shaking must happen. Pastor Mark draws on the experiences of Paul in today’s message. The ground beneath him and the walls around him literally shook, but he was able to remain in faith.
Are you facing something heavy and difficult? A diagnosis or a job loss or trouble with a child, a sister, a friend? Pastor Mark has a prescription for you today! When you are facing something too heavy to carry, turn on the worship music and begin to praise the Lord! When we praise the Lord, we exchange our troubles for his garments of praise. He lifts our burdens from us.
The enemy is real, and he is out to get you. Wouldn’t it be nice to know how he operates so you can be effective in the fight against him? Pastor Mark unveils the tactics of the enemies in today’s message. You’ve been called to go into the world and make disciples and that’s the last thing the enemy wants you to do.
Pastor Mark is teaching about the enemy today. It’s important to know our enemy so we can know where and what the fight is. We need to know our enemy is real and begin to understand his tactics so that we can be effective warriors for the kingdom. Like Pastor Mark says, if we don’t believe the enemy exists and understand his battle plan, we are going to be sitting ducks! Listen in today for the game plan. You’ll learn who the enemy is and how he works. You’ll learn all about the players he’s got on his team and how to defeat them! This war is real, and our enemy is out to kill you! Get your armor on and get into the war!
Pastor Mark reminds us today that one of God’s most effective tools for getting our attention is “wait” training. When we see something great, we could be doing it for the kingdom of God, but the Holy Spirit says, “wait!” It can be hard to handle. It can be discouraging. But if we will use the waiting to focus on Jesus alone, he will use the wait in amazing ways in our lives. Have you had to wait for something you know is going to be good? And good not only for you but for the kingdom of God? Maybe you’re waiting now. Don’t let the time be wasted. Accept the leading of the Spirit and lean into every word he says.
God doesn’t always do the things you expect or want in your life and sometimes he leads you in directions that just feel like you’re going backward or you’re missing out on something. But Pastor Mark reminds us today that we don’t know everything that’s going on in the spiritual world. He knows more than we do! Because God knows things that we don’t, we won’t always understand what he’s doing in our lives. But we can trust him! And we can tune ourselves into the spiritual world and listen for his voice. The more we listen to him the more we will hear about his heart for us and the purposes he has for our lives.
Pastor Mark asks the question today, are you willing to do what it takes to reach those around you like a Timothy? Are you willing to do it if it's painful, self-denying, and possibly even humiliating? Are you willing to give up your rights?
All of life comes down to this one question; do you want to be used by God or not? Pastor Mark tells us that our attitude has everything to do with whether God shelves us or uses us. Paul and Timothy were ready to give anything and everything in order to bring someone into the family of God. Nothing was too much, too hard, too miserable for them. They wanted God above all. Is that the posture of your heart? Are there things too difficult or things you won’t give up? If you want to be used by God, figure out what they are and give them to God right now, today! There is nothing worth more than a life spent following Jesus.
It wasn’t easy to start the church. Jesus flipped everything on its head in his teaching and through his death, including who gets included! The Gentiles had no place in the old covenant unless they chose to become a Jew and follow the law. But when Jesus died, he tore through the veil that kept people out of the presence of God. Even Gentiles now had a place at the table. So, when it came time to figure out the theology of it all, the apostles and disciples looked to the fruit! The Gentiles who came to Christ without the law were filled with joy. And in the end, the covenant under the blood of Christ will always bring joy!
Pastor Mark brings good news today for anybody who has ever been confused or discouraged. And the good news is that no matter whether we understand what God is doing in our lives or not, God is, in fact, doing things in our lives! And God has known since before the earth was created what the plan was for you! So as Pastor Mark says, you can relax today. No matter how confusing your life may be, God has a plan that you can trust. You can rest on his plan for your life because he loves you with everlasting love and he is working out everything for your good and his glory! Let him know that you trust him right now!
It wasn’t easy to start the church. Jesus flipped everything on its head in his teaching and through his death, including who gets included! The Gentiles had no place in the old covenant unless they chose to become a Jew and follow the law. But when Jesus died, he tore through the veil that kept people out of the presence of God. Even Gentiles now had a place at the table. So when it came time to figure out the theology of it all, the apostles and disciples looked to the fruit! The Gentiles who came to Christ without the law were filled with joy. And in the end, the covenant under the blood of Christ will always bring joy! Now, let’s join Pastor Mark in the book of Acts chapter 15 as he continues his message The Scourge of Religion.
Pastor Mark is diving into religion and how it can be something that hinders the gospel. The Galatians were talked into believing that they had to follow the law even though they had already been saved by Christ. Paul says adding anything to the cross of Christ make the cross null and void. It takes away from Christ. Instead, we need to live in the full freedom that comes from being covered by the blood of the Lamb! That means we give our whole lives to be with him and to follow him, and that we have the freedom to do so! You are no longer a slave to sin or to the law. You are bought with a price and belong to Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mark lays out a simple choice for you today. You can choose to face many hardships with Jesus, or you can choose to face many hardships without him! This world is full of difficult things, and we all face them sooner or later. You can choose to face them on your own or with the creator of the universe! And if you made that choice once upon a time but have slipped away, the invitation to you is to renew that commitment to Jesus. Commit to following him wherever he calls you, no matter what! And take it one step farther—get rid of your escape routes. Drop Plan B and give everything now and forever to Jesus.
Pastor Mark is going to unveil the battle we are all a part of today. When we enter the kingdom of God through believing in his son, we enter into that battle! And it’s a battle that’s raging! What are our weapons in this warfare? Our weapons are truth, the word of God, worship, and the readiness of the gospel! Our armor is salvation that protects our minds, and faith that covers our hearts. We don’t enter into the battle helpless. We have weapons and armor, but we need to work up our spiritual muscles so that we can use them. Jump into the word of God today and dive into worship. Victory belongs to God!
Doesn’t this make you glad you love the Lord? Because you love Him you get to enter into his peace and goodwill! Because you love Him you get to experience the unity of the Spirit with other believers. And if you don’t love Him yet, you’ve still got a chance to do that. Jesus died for you in order to bring you into His peace. He’s standing at the door of your heart and knocking. He wants to come in and be at home with you. And when you invite Him in and commit to following Him, your whole life will change. Purposelessness gives way to a full and glorious purpose. Say yes to Him today and watch your life be transformed!
Are you a person who follows God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength? And have you, like Paul and Barnabas, been the victim of slander and abuse? Pastor Mark says that hell goes after the best fruit. If the fruit of your life is rich and full, be prepared for opposition and warfare to come your way. Often the opposition we face comes in the form of gossip and slander. When we pursue righteousness, the world and the forces of hell will twist and distort everything you offer to the world. When it comes to that, stand firm in the knowledge that your righteousness comes from Christ. Don’t be discouraged!
We can all look at our actions in the same light. We have two kings. One of them resides on the earth and could be the king of peers, the king of expectations, or even the king of self. This king can cause us trouble here on earth but cannot touch the eternal! And the other resides in heaven and presides over eternity. Everything we do serves one of the two kings and flouts the other. Which king will you serve today? Where will your focus be? Will it be in heaven with the King of Kings? Or on earth with a closed focus on temporary things? You make the choice every single day. Choose the King of Kings today and serve him only!
Jesus said the harvest is plentiful. That means that people who want to hear the good news are out there waiting to hear it. When you go out to tell people about Jesus, tell the people who want to hear first. In this way we emulate God. He doesn’t force himself on humanity. He stands at the door and knocks. The world is a hard place and everywhere are people longing for some good news. Pastor Mark says when we give the good news to the people who want it, they will become excited and bring others with them! So go find yourself a harvest today! Bring the good news to someone who has had nothing but bad news.
It’s so much easier to focus on the love God has for his people, but Pastor Mark brings up the other side of God’s character today. God is not only a God of love, He is also a God of justice! Love is not love without justice to back it up. But God’s love is not wimpy and halfhearted. His justice equals his love. So when Pastor Mark talks about the justice of God and the need to evaluate ourselves as Christian Americans, it’s a serious call to repentance. It’s time to get our heads back in the book so we can know what it is God has called us to be. And once we see it, we need to have the courage to grow into the image of Christ.
Has God called you to something? Does it feel like the odds are stacked against you? Pastor Mark shows us through scripture today that when God has called us, we need to go and not worry about the odds because God is faithful! So, when God calls you to go, keep your eyes fixed on him and not on the problems in front of you. God can take the million to one chance and make it happen! With God on your side, there is nothing you can’t do. Take heart today and step into that calling that’s too big for you! Take that risk, make that leap of faith, and follow him anticipating that he will do great things!
Sometimes it feels like we’re getting taken apart by the enemy. Like the attack is too fierce and we’re losing parts of ourselves in the battle. But Pastor Mark reminds us today that we have the victory. In the end, we’re on the winning side! So, our job is to stay in the fight. Continue the fight and make it to the end where God will win the victory! And when the death and darkness are too much, remember that God has a crown of life coming for those who overcome! God has given many promises to those who overcome. Don’t miss out on heavenly glory in order to be comfortable here on earth.
Whenever there is going to be a great impact for the gospel there will be great opposition. Pastor Mark reminds us today that when we face opposition it’s not always a sign to turn back. Sometimes it’s a sign that the enemy sees what you’re doing, and he sure doesn’t like it! When we face opposition, it is often time to lean in and push harder. It’s a sign you’re on the right track! So, when you are moving forward with the gospel and you face opposition, stand your ground. Dig in and don’t give up any of the ground you’ve made to the enemy. And remember that through it all it is the Lord who is fighting for you!
Pastor Mark says the best way to have direction for your life is to minister to the Lord. It’s an ongoing conversation between you and the creator of the universe. Offer him yourself, offer him your praise. When you face big decisions spending time with the Lord opens up the avenue for him to speak to you and guide you. Pastor Mark says the best way to have direction for your life is to minister to the Lord. It’s an ongoing conversation between you and the creator of the universe. Offer him yourself, offer him your praise. When you face big decisions spending time with the Lord opens up the avenue for him to speak to you and guide you.
God has given you one calling and gifted you for it. But as Pastor Mark said, that calling can be played out in your life in many different ways! It may mean changing assignments in the same location, or it may mean moving to follow where God leads. When the assignment changes, we need to be ready to change whatever is needed to carry it out! Does that mean changing jobs or joining a church plant or even moving to a different place? Jump in and do it with all your heart! When God is the author of the change, you don’t want to miss out on what he’s doing! Listen for his voice today to guide you where he needs you!
Do you feel stuck? Feeling stuck in ministry can be one of the most discouraging things we face. But Pastor Mark gives us encouragement today from the book of Acts. When you feel stuck in ministry, remember to be faithful to complete the assignment you’ve been given because when it is complete, Jesus will move you on to a new assignment. But if instead of continuing in the work you grow weary and let the assignment slide, he can’t move you on to the next thing. Do what you’ve been given, and you will be moved on to new things. Remember to be faithful first and to experience God’s faithfulness.
Have you ever experienced that gut-wrenching moment when your heart throws in an extra beat or gets out of rhythm? It doesn’t take much of that to have the heart go from something pounding away in the background to being the thing on the top of your mind, all the time. When we talk about spiritual gifts and their place in the body, you might be pounding away in the background and feel insignificant or unimportant. But if you stop being your piece of the body, it affects everyone. The body suffers or even dies because it’s missing you! Pastor Mark shows us today how vital every piece of the body of Christ is.
The believers had been praying all week and all night for Peter to escape the death sentence he had been given, but when he was out in the night knocking on the door they wouldn’t believe it was him. Sometimes we’re all like that. We’ve been praying and praying and praying, but when God moves, we find it hard to believe! Pastor Mark reminds us today that even when we have little faith God still moves on our behalf. He’s that good. He’s that great! Faith as small as a mustard seed is enough for him to work with. And what a great deal that is! Take your mustard seed of faith and put it to work today. Let God blow you away with His goodness.
When you think about persecution coming to the church in America, what are the feelings you have surrounding that? Do you feel fear? Or do you, like Pastor Mark, recognize that with increased persecution comes increased joy, increased passion, and increased witness to the surrounding world? When persecution comes to our nation, the biggest thing to remember is this; that God is faithful. He will not ever leave you alone. Think for a moment about every time of persecution in history—with it always comes a time of immense, explosive growth in the church! Imagine being a part of that kind of growth!
God used Moses and his rod to show his supernatural power. When he turned the rod into a snake, Moses took off running. God showed his power and it frightened Moses. When you see the power of God at work in the world, what is your response? Pastor Mark is talking about Spiritual gifts today—the supernatural work of God in the world. And maybe you’ve seen the gifts used in a way that was frightening to you. Maybe you ran away from God’s work. Today you’re invited back. Come and see the work God is doing in the world. When you allow for the miraculous, he can begin to work his supernatural power through you!
God used Moses and his rod to show his supernatural power. When he turned the rod into a snake, Moses took off running. God showed his power and it frightened Moses. When you see the power of God at work in the world, what is your response? Pastor Mark is talking about Spiritual gifts today—the supernatural work of God in the world. And maybe you’ve seen the gifts used in a way that was frightening to you. Maybe you ran away from God’s work. Today you’re invited back. Come and see the work God is doing in the world. When you allow for the miraculous, he can begin to work his supernatural power through you!
God is going to reach the people he needs to reach and he’s going to do it with or without your help. But the awesome thing about God is that he wants to use you! He wants to invite you into the work he’s doing in the world! Pastor Mark reminds us that if we hold our traditions too closely and value them above God’s word and God’s voice, he can’t use us like that! So, if you want to be a part of the new things that God is doing, it’s time to take a close look at your practices and your opinions. Check on how many of them are holding you back from the new things that God wants to do in the world and get rid of them today!
Part 1 of 2 Peter’s denomination/non-denomination didn’t believe God cared about the Gentiles. They believed that the only people God chose were the biological descendants of Abraham. But God stepped into Peter’s life and showed him in a vision that he was very interested in bringing salvation to the Gentiles. If Peter hadn’t been willing to set aside the views of his denomination to follow God’s direction, most of us wouldn’t be here today! Pastor Mark shows us today that we need to be open to a new move of the Spirit. We need to be asking God, where are you going, can I come too? Have you asked God that lately?
How will you respond when God tells you to do something you’ve never done? What if your tradition tells you not to do it? What will you value more, the traditions you grew up with or the living and active voice of God? Pastor Mark reminds us today that our priority needs to always be on following God, not man. We can’t follow God freely if we value man’s traditions too highly. Don’t let your denomination or tradition hold you back when it comes to following Jesus! God is in the business of growing us and growing his church. Remain open to his leading today! Remember that he is the goal, not conforming to history.
Do you ever wonder, like Pastor Mark, if what you do makes any difference at all? You pray but you aren’t sure your prayers are heard. You give, but you aren’t sure if it’s making any difference. And you serve but you don’t see any effects on the world around you. You’re not alone in wondering that but you can take comfort from God’s words to Cornelius today! If his prayers are talked about in heaven, so are yours. If his giving gains the attention of heaven, so does yours. Keep praying. Keep giving. Keep serving. You probably won’t see the full extent of the difference while you’re here on earth. Don’t let that stop you from doing good!
Pastor Mark goes after tradition today. But it’s not just for the sake of bucking tradition! It’s in the interest of the freedom of following Jesus. When our traditions get in the way of what God wants to do, we aren’t living in the freedom he gave us. Pastor Mark will show us today that God longs to make us free from the traditions that are holding us back from being fully effective for him. Ask him today which of your traditions are moving you and those around you closer to Jesus and which ones might be holding you back. God freed the early church from prejudices against Gentiles. How does he want to free you?
Jesus the Christ is the one who gets all the glory. When we give God the glory, glorious things begin to happen. When we keep the glory for ourselves, any good that had been done ends there. Pastor Mark says that when God was given the glory here, many people in the region came to know Jesus. Peter didn’t keep any of the glory for himself. He knew that only God can heal. When you give God the glory for the things that only he can do, you open up the door for more of God’s glory to be displayed. You open the door to many, many people coming to a relationship with Christ. How can you glorify God today?
Pastor Mark tells us today that we have to be out and doing things for the Lord in order for him to use us. If we stay at home, safe inside our comfort zones, there’s no way for God to use us for his glory. Do you want to see God use you in mighty ways? When’s the last time you stepped out to do something for him? Pastor Mark tells us that Paul is out doing things for the Lord. He’s teaching people about Jesus, and God is about to use him in a mighty way. If you want to find out how God used Peter and how God can use you, join us for today’s message! You’ll learn more about how God can move in your life for his glory!
Do you feel like no matter what you do, you end up walled in again? Just like Paul. Everywhere he went he ended up in prison! It must have been frustrating to end up in chains time and time again when all he was trying to do was follow Jesus. Pastor Mark shows us today that sometimes God has us live a life with walls for a while so that we will become small in our own eyes.
Are you an older believer? Have you been following God for years? Has he brought you through your own desert, just like Moses? What did those years change in you? Are you like Moses, saying that you’re not even interested in the fight anymore? Pastor Mark says that’s the time when God can use you! When you’re not hungry for the fight, you let go of the glory that comes with it. Take a second look today. Is there a fight that God wants you to get involved in? It’s time to follow him into the fight and give him all the glory! And if you’re not sure you want to get into it, walk alongside Paul for a little while in today’s message.
We really like to emphasize the more pleasant promises of God, but there are promises like this one too—that all who follow God will suffer persecution. Everyone who picks up their cross and follows Jesus will suffer. But there is good news with it too. Those who suffer will find joy in the morning. Sometimes sorrow and suffering will last for a night. Sometimes it will last for a week or a month or for years. But no matter how long it lasts, joy is coming. And when you're in the middle of suffering, you can take joy in knowing that you’re following Jesus. He suffered too. And he made it through to the joy that followed.
God stepped into Saul’s life on the road to Damascus and drastically and permanently changed its direction. And God sent Ananias to him, saying he could be found praying on a street called straight. As Pastor Mark says, when we allow God to change the course of our lives and we begin to follow him, our path will be straight, too. Paul let God redirect his path. Have you made the choice to let God redirect your path? Saul was headed in the wrong direction when God met him on the road. When God intervenes in your life, you can respond in the same way that Saul did and find a new direction and purpose!
Jesus was in the grave three days before he rose again. Paul sat blind for three days before he was able to begin a life of great ministry. What did your three days look like? Pastor Mark tells us that God wounds his children. And then he binds them up again.
Tragedies aren’t a cosmic mistake, they’re a part of God’s perfect plan. Pastor Mark is talking today about how tragedies in your life could be the one thing that would bring you into a relationship with God. It might just be the only way to get your attention. So, when God knocks you off your horse, let him get your attention. Let God use the difficult things in your life to draw you closer to him, just like God used blindness to get Saul’s attention. After that, his life was forever changed. He became Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. How about you? What tragedies have touched your life and drawn you into God’s plan for you?
Pastor Mark is showing us the heart of the Ethiopian who was seeking God with everything he had. He knew he wouldn’t be able to enter the court but he still made the long and difficult journey just so he could hear and learn from the Word of God. How dedicated are you to learning from God’s Word? What would you give up in order to spend time in the Word? The Word of God holds the greatest treasure you will ever have access to. And Jesus says the kingdom is like a pearl of great price and a person will go sell all he owns in order to possess it. Join us today in diving into this priceless treasure
So often following what the Spirit asks us to do doesn’t make any sense to us! His ways are so far above our own that it can be hard to see what God is doing. Pastor Mark is talking about Phillip when God moves him to go talk to the Ethiopian instead of continuing the work he was already doing successfully. What will you do when God tells you to do something that doesn’t seem like it could be him? What if he moves you out of a successful ministry into something new and different? Will you trust his voice or your own wisdom? Today’s message might be just what you need to help you take that leap of faith.
The great works of God happen because every believer is joyfully doing their part. We function as a body with Christ as the head. When we fulfill our roles and our calling within the church, the entire body benefits. But like Pastor Mark says today, we need to be joyful in doing the small things! There is nothing so small that it escapes God’s notice. He sees the work you’re doing!
Is it so hard to imagine being raised to hate a culture? What culture enters your mind when you think of terrorism? Or what culture do you think of when you hear the words illegals? Phillip preached Christ to the culture that his culture hated. Pastor Mark says that was the result of the love of Christ working in his heart.
Pastor Mark is working his way through Acts, and today he is in the speech that Stephen gave right before he was killed. Stephen used the scriptures that his accusers already knew in order to share the truth of the kingdom of God with them. When you share your faith, find that common ground to begin on. The church grew quickly in the early days, but not everyone was a fan. Stephen was martyred for preaching about the death and resurrection of Jesus. We don’t face that kind of persecution today. Let his words inspire you to share your faith freely with the world around you. Let it light a flame in your soul once again!
When you go out and present the gospel—to your friends, to your family, to your neighbor down the street—the way that you do it is important. You are sent out in love by the Savior. You are a living demonstration and a physical representation of the love of God. Your friends, your family, and your neighbors can see how you’re living your life. Are you showing them what it means to have true, abundant life in Christ? Are you sharing His love?
Pastor Mark is working through the book of Acts and the early church. In the early days of the church, it was growing faster than they could manage it. The apostles took their hint from Jesus and prioritized sharing the good news of the kingdom of God. But they still needed assistance in caring for the poor. So they created new roles of service within church leadership.
The early church faced a serious problem when it began to grow so quickly! The apostles couldn’t take care of every function within the church and needed help when it came to serving the widows. Everyone has a role in the church and every role is vital. You are a part of the body of Christ and the role you fill is important. The body cannot function without you in it! Where has God called you to use your gifts? Is it in administration or helping? You’re needed! Is it in encouragement or teaching? You’re needed! Never imagine that you are less than because of the role you play. Pastor Mark reminds us to serve with joy.
Pastor Mark’s question is: can your city say that about the church in your area? That you have filled the place with your doctrine—that you’ve filled it with the love of Christ and the truth of salvation? If you look at the city around you and see that the love of Christ is missing, maybe it’s time to start jumping into the game!
When the Holy Spirit begins moving in your heart, bold actions follow. Like the apostles who went out to preach again early the next day when they had just escaped prison. Your life can be filled with moves that bold! Your life can be one of audacious faith just like theirs. Pastor Mark says you just need the Spirit! If you’re looking for more out of your walk with Christ, listen in to today’s message. You’ll be filled with a passion to move boldly into the world around you. Faith in Jesus was never intended to be passive. Find a fresh fire today and watch how the Spirit will move you to greater and bolder things along the way.
What if everyone in the church asked themselves the question Pastor Mark asks today? What if every person in the church knew that there was no reason to fear death? We would all be unstoppable! Ask yourself the question today, “If I knew with certainty that going to church would get me killed, would I still go?” If you can answer that question with a resounding “yes!” you are unstoppable! You cannot stop a person with no fear. If you can’t say you would be there no matter the cost, ask Jesus to open your eyes to the spiritual reality around you. He died to conquer death and fear. He paved the way to your freedom.
God is looking for his church to be two things: purified and holy. That doesn’t mean we will be perfect or even look a specific way. What it does mean is that we will be confessing our sin and allowing Christ to purify us. It means that we will be set apart. Take a look at your life today. Are you confessing your sins and allowing Christ to purify you? Or are you hiding or excusing your sin? Have you allowed yourself to be set apart for God’s purposes? Pastor Mark reminds us that it is a purified and holy church that experiences the power of God moving through it. He will move through your life too, as you allow him into every area.
The God you follow is the God of heaven and earth. He was the one to create the world from nothing. Pastor Mark reminds us that when we face something that takes a God that big, we get to call out to a God that big! He is more than capable to do all we need him to do. The one who created the world has authority over the world. And when we follow him, he guides our steps. Maybe you find it hard to believe sometimes. Don’t be discouraged! Bring that truth to God and tell him you want to believe. He will move on your behalf. He is the author of faith, and He will raise up faith in your heart as he moves in your life.
The God you follow is the God of heaven and earth. He was the one to create the world from nothing. Pastor Mark reminds us that when we face something that takes a God that big, we get to call out to a God that big! He is more than capable to do all we need him to do. The one who created the world has authority over the world. And when we follow him, he guides our steps. Maybe you find it hard to believe sometimes. Don’t be discouraged! Bring that truth to God and tell him you want to believe. He will move on your behalf. He is the author of faith and he will raise up faith in your heart as he moves in your life.
You have all the authority you need to go out and preach the gospel. The Author has given you the authority to speak in his name. He has given you the authority to represent him in the world. No degree could make you more worthy of this. Pastor Mark reminds us today that most of the apostles didn’t have a degree and they were used powerfully in the kingdom of God. God has plans for you that don’t rely on a degree or a title. What he has planned for you to do, he gives you the authority to do. So, stop hesitating or making excuses and go do what it is he has called you to do. Go be his witness!
Pastor Mark makes a bold statement today! He says that we don’t stand with any political party. We stand with Jesus Christ. Before anything else, we are citizens of heaven. We may live in the United States here on earth, but this world is fleeting and temporary. Its hold on our lives is weak at best. We belong to a higher kingdom! We stand with the ruler of all, for all time. If we recognize that we stand with Jesus Christ first, we will find that our differences with other believers aren’t so great after all. We will find unity in belonging first to the kingdom of God. And we can take that unity and use it to reach a polarized world.
God desires all men to open their hearts to him, and so he will send one after another to speak the truth and show them his love. Sometimes it takes one person and one time to reach their heart and have them open their lives to God. But more often it takes many times with many different people sharing! Pastor Mark is here to remind you today not to lose heart if you’re sharing the gospel and not seeing results. You might be the second person to share, but they won’t open up until they’ve heard it ten or twenty times. That doesn’t mean your sharing was worthless though. Keep on sharing! Keep on witnessing!
We all look for life in something other than Jesus at times. We think we’ll find more life in wealth or partying or in healthy living and working out. But Pastor Mark reminds us today that Jesus is the door. He is the door to eternal, vibrant, and abundant life. Everything else can provide temporary relief or satisfaction for this life we’re living. But none of it can provide true, lasting comfort. The only one capable of that is Jesus Christ. The only thing that will satisfy is life lived with him. Where are you looking for life today? Where are you looking for comfort? Are you following old habits or are you following the one who can save?
There are two kinds of fear. There’s the fear that is based in this world. It expresses itself as fear of tomorrow, fear of failure, fear of danger, or fear of looking foolish among other things. The other kind of fear is what Pastor Mark calls “godly fear.” When we think of godly fear it’s the honor and reverence of the creator and judge of the universe. It’s understanding that our lives are held in his hand and that one day we will meet him face to face and answer for the way we used our lives. Today Pastor Mark is going to show us the difference and why godly fear is needed and good while other fear only tears us down.
Communion reminds us of the work Jesus did on the cross. His body was broken for us and his blood was spilled for us. Pastor Mark shows us today that remembering the work Jesus did helps us remember also to love each other as he told us to love. All love comes from God. God first loved you and sent his Son to die for you. All the love in you is in response to that love. So when you remind yourself of the love of God, you can also remember to love others with the love of God. And like Pastor Mark said, when you love God well, it makes it that much easier to love others. Remember the sacrifice of Jesus today!
At the moment we accept Christ, we are enlisted in the battle for the world. As soon as you have given your life to him, he calls you into the battle for the souls of the people around you. When you enter the battle that quickly, you may feel unprepared or frightened, but the Lord will not leave you vulnerable to attack. Pastor Mark shows us that God gives you the gifts of the Spirit to go fight the war with. These are your weapons. And because they are gifts, you don’t need to worry about earning them! He gives them freely to empower you to fight the enemy and win ground for the Lord. What are you doing with your weapons?
In 1 Peter 3 verse 15, we are told, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” When the world asks you a question, you need to be ready with an answer. That means you need to be continually searching the scriptures for the answers you need. When we are asked questions, we can count on the Spirit to bring the answers to mind. Just like he did with Peter at Pentecost, he will remind us of the word we have already absorbed. Pastor Mark says we won’t have every answer but the ones that we do, we need to be ready to share with anyone who asks.
The Spirit of God has a purpose in your life. He is there to counsel and comfort you, but ultimately, he is there to empower you to go out and be a witness for Christ. He is there to fill you with a boldness in sharing the gospel that isn’t possible on your own! So when the Spirit meets you in an hour of need, know that it’s for you but it’s also for the larger world around you. Today, Pastor Mark discusses the purpose of the Spirit in the life of a believer. When you seek the filling of the Spirit, do so not only to feel good but also to give you the courage and strength to bring the love of God to the dying world around you.
Jesus cared a lot about the unity of his church. He called us to show the world that we are his by the love we show one another. Pastor Mark is going to show us today what that looks like in the church! How do we find unity in a world that is so polarized and diverse? We need to find ourselves unified in purpose. When we are unified in purpose inwardly, what the world will see is the church reaching out to the world as one. They will see the love we have for each other and the unified purpose and through that, they will see the love of God reaching out to them. The only way to reach your community is to be unified with other believers.
Jesus said that if we associate with him in his suffering, we also get to associate with him in his glory. Pastor Mark says don’t grieve when you encounter suffering! Jesus’ brother James said it this way, “Consider it all joy!” We can only consider suffering and trials to be joy when we realize that suffering from Jesus also means we’re going to get to glory with Jesus, too. When we think about the glory that is waiting for us, the suffering just doesn’t seem so bad. It pales in comparison to the intensity of the glory that waits for us! You might be suffering today. And if you are, look up to Jesus and see the glory that’s coming.
The first question Pastor Mark asks today is are you about the Father’s business? Are you doing the things you want to do or the things he has called you to do? And the next question is if you are about the Father’s business, are you doing it in his way and his timing? Or are you racing ahead or falling behind? Pastor Mark reminds us today that when we do our own thing or even the Father’s thing but on our timeline, we often end up falling flat on our faces. Take a moment today and look at what you’re doing. Are you following the lead of the Spirit? If you aren’t yourself up with his direction once again!
The early church walked in the power of the Spirit, and they fulfilled what it was God called them to do. They became his witnesses through Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. It wasn’t without hardships, but they moved in faith and accomplished the mission they had been given by Jesus. What about you? Jesus has called and empowered you to be his witness as well! He put his Spirit inside of you so that you could be filled with the same faith and boldness as the early church. Where is your "Judea and Samaria", and are you reaching them with the gospel? Are you a faithful witness to Jesus Christ?
Today Pastor Mark is diving into the baptism of the Spirit, and that’s a baptism that only God can give you. It’s an extraordinary, other-worldly experience that empowers you to follow Jesus and be his witness with boldness. When you are baptized with water, you are making the decision to follow Christ and let the world know. But when God baptizes you with the Holy Spirit, it’s all about what he is doing and not about what you are doing. If you feel like your Christian walk is powerless and shaky, invite the Spirit to fill you today. And then begin to speak the words he gives you. Watch lives be transformed before your eyes!
Luke recorded everything that Jesus began to do in Luke and Acts. But if he began his work then, it is continued after that! Jesus continues to speak, to move, and to make all things new as he works through his church in the present day! He wasn’t finished speaking when he ascended to heaven. Since he wasn’t finished speaking, Pastor Mark reminds us that he is still speaking to you today! He works through his Spirit to move the church forward. He works through his Spirit to move you forward and to make you more like himself. However you feel today, you are not alone as you pursue the holiness of God.
Do you sometimes feel like you’re really walking in the Holy Spirit but other times you’re really walking in you? Which one works out better for you? Today Pastor Mark is going to begin following the story of the early church. The early church was filled with the Holy Spirit and spread throughout the known world with incredible speed. People who were previously fearful lost all fear when the Spirit filled them. They began to speak boldly regardless of the resistance or persecution they faced. If you need to be strengthened in your witness, follow them in being filled with the Spirit!
Pastor Mark gives some unique details today about the tabernacle – the temporary and mobile place of worship that was set up for the Israelites. It was God’s dwelling place among them – a place of worship and sacrifice and renewal. It was created by men but with God’s instructions…and those instructions are incredibly detailed! Today’s message may seem tedious, but, as you heard Pastor Mark say a moment ago, it all has a purpose! God didn’t inspire His Word for no reason. He has a motive behind the Scripture, behind the list of materials and the long genealogies – so why not spend some time learning about them? You’ll not only learn more about history, but you’ll also learn more about your incredible Creator!
Have you ever been in one of those awkward services where they’re asking for a “free will” offering – but they don’t stop asking? You might find yourself feeling guilty if you don’t give. But are you REQUIRED to give in those situations? Of course not, and Pastor Mark will be telling you why today. Pastor Mark talks about the difference between tithes and offerings today, and what it looks like to give “freely”. It’s not something required at all – it’s simply a response to the goodness of God. If the Holy Spirit prompts you to give, then do so obediently and joyfully, knowing God will use it for good. And if you don’t feel prompted – let it be. Just be in tune with the Holy Spirit and let HIM lead you!
Today Pastor Mark will be touching on a bit of a sore subject…tithing. Anytime money is mentioned, opinions and feelings instantly flare, don’t they? But don’t go into this message expecting to have someone tell you that you HAVE to give to the church – not at all! Pastor Mark will simply be laying out what Scripture has to say about giving, and what that means for you as an individual follower of Jesus. Pastor Mark will be reminding you that giving to the Lord – either financially or with your time and energy – is to be done in response to what God’s done for you! He gave you new life, and now He’s inviting you to join him in the work He’s doing on earth. So if you’re eager to participate – jump in!
Moses had many incredible encounters with God. He met Him at the burning bush, on mountain tops, in the tabernacle – and he was changed every time. That quality time spent in the Lord’s presence had an effect on Moses that others could see, and today Pastor Mark will tell you exactly what that is…and how you can have it too. The more time you spend in the Word and in prayer, the more you’ll know God intimately. You’ll discover His character and His motivation and see His heart for people. But – you’ll also find that YOU are transforming. Your joy will be found in Christ. Your heart for the lost will increase and what pains God will pain you. Your actions will begin to reflect who you’ve spent time with!
In case you’re wondering, God already knows what’s in your heart. In fact – He knows what’s in your head too…how does THAT make you feel? Pastor Mark wants you to remember this today as he talks about spending time in the presence of God – un-masked, heart fully exposed to your Creator. It’s scary – but maybe less so since God already knows it all! Because God is faithful and good and kind, you don’t have to be afraid to be honest with Him. Come to Him in your sadness. Come to Him when you’re angry. Come to Him when you’ve messed up! God forgives again and again, and He’s big enough for all your emotions. Don’t wait – spend time with the Lord today.
There’s a reason God asks you to spend time with Him again and again – once isn’t enough to sustain you! Think of spending time with the Lord as eating and sleeping – you can go for a time without these things, but eventually, you need to nourish and rest your body. The same is true for your soul – you can’t survive forever without regularly replenishing with spiritual nourishment and rest. Today Pastor Mark will talk with you about the incredible peace that’s found in the presence of Jesus. He’ll share about the strength you can find, and the joy that’s unexplainable. But – you can’t get any of that without actually spending time with your Savior!
Saying you’re a Christian and actually living as if you’re a Christian are two very different things. Many people SAY they believe in Jesus – but can you see evidence of Him in their lives? If they look the exact same as people who DON’T believe in Jesus…then are they really? Are YOU really a Christian, if this describes your life? It’s a hard thing to think about, but it’s necessary today! Pastor Mark will remind you in his message today of what you say you believe! If you’ve given your life to Jesus, then act that way! Don’t do what He’s said is wrong. Don’t spend time indulging in sin. DO spend time with Him, and in His Word, and in sharing the good news of redemption!
God is good. That seems too simple a statement to make about the Creator of the Universe. The one who knows all things and is all things and is more powerful than all things. But that immensely great Deity loves you! YOU! He is kind and caring, and so faithful. He is good, even when you are not. How incredible is that? We Pastor Mark shares today some of the aspects of God’s character that we can easily miss when reading the Bible – especially the Old Testament books. We get caught up in the stories of the people and the places – but we can’t forget the author of it all. God’s on every page, and you can discover more about Him each time you read!
There are two ways to read the Bible when you think about it. You can read it to see what God has to say, or you can read it to justify what you say. Pastor Mark will talk today about the dangers of using it for the latter part of that. But – you see this happen frequently! You see it with politicians, trying to support their policies. You see it on social media and in conversations with both Christians and non-Christians. But what if, instead, we looked to the Bible to find out what God has to say, and then followed Him? Pastor Mark encourages you today to seek the Lord in Scripture for every decision and every direction before you move or speak!
The meeting place Moses set up with the Lord was not within the borders of Israelites camping space. Moses went out away from the people to spend time with God. And as Pastor Mark will share today, it wasn’t mandated that he do this alone. In fact, all were welcome to join Moses in seeking the Lord! But the people simply didn’t go. Think about your own opportunities to encounter the Lord. It may be at church, or at a small group gathering, or at home with your family. Are you sitting back and watching others experience His presence, or are you jumping in and participating for yourself? The invitation is open to you – come, seek the Lord. Know Him personally – it will change your life!
Jesus is found throughout the Bible – not just in the New Testament! It’s a fascinating thing to study. You can discover the Savior of the World as far back as the Garden of Eden! You’ll see Him mentioned today too – as Pastor Mark just described. And in fact, we read in the book of John that Jesus was with God at Creation! What an incredible God we serve, who would plan our Salvation before the world even began! As you listen today, take note of where the Gospel message is seen. It may not be obvious, but God’s mercy and love are evident. It was there for the Israelites, and it’s here now for you too!
Your salvation is yours. It’s what YOU decide – are you going to follow Jesus, or are you going to follow the world? That decision can’t be made by anyone else – not your parents, not your Pastor, not anyone! It’s up to you. You can’t rely on another righteous person to take care of it for you. As you listen today, you’ll also discover that your actions are your own responsibility too. When you choose to follow Jesus, you need to also choose to act like it! Pastor Mark will share today how the Israelites didn’t do this…they were God’s people, but they didn’t exactly display that to the World. And those decisions brought consequences!
Giving to the church or giving to charity is something beautiful – it’s an honor to have the ability to share what you’ve been blessed with! And it’s a way to thank the Lord for His goodness! But there are times when giving is done with poor motivations. And in fact, some churches and pastors aren’t being honest about their intentions. They promise wealth in return for your investment. Pastor Mark warns you today to avoid these false teachers at all costs! Don’t give in to the “get rich quick” plans of some supposedly Godly establishments. It’s not what God promises, and it’s leading you away from the Gospel message. It’s dangerous, so steer clear!
When you spend every day with the Lord, you get to know Him well. You read about Him in the Bible, you sit and talk with Him through prayer, and you discover the joy of being in His presence. Each moment you take to fellowship with your Creator is valuable! But…when those sweet encounters start to get farther and farther apart or disappear altogether, do you notice you lose the sense of God’s presence being with you? Pastor Mark will share the danger today of letting go of your time with the Lord. It can lead to wrong priorities and looking for God in all the wrong places. Don’t let that happen to you!
In today’s message, Pastor Mark will continue to talk through the garments of the priests, the sacrifices at the tabernacle, and much more about the specifics of how the Israelites were to worship the Lord. These specifics may not be things we practice today, but the principles of worship established in these chapters of Exodus are still applicable. One principle is what Pastor Mark just described – God wants you to spend time with Him ALWAYS. Are you making space in your day for the Lord? Is it simply a quick prayer now and then, when you have a second to spare? Don’t let the busyness of life take the place of soaking in God’s presence!
When you want something amazing, you don’t want to experience just a tiny bit of it right? Think of a giant delicious cake – someone tells you it’s all for you! But you only take a small crumb…that’s not enough, is it? You want to truly experience all the goodness that cake has to offer. An experience with God is going to be even greater than that – so don’t ask for just a crumb! In his message today, Pastor Mark will be talking about being fully submerged in the presence of the Lord. It’s something you have access to if you’ve given your life to Jesus! You can know God intimately, and fully, every single day!
The Bible tells us again and again that being a follower of Christ makes you unique. It sets you apart from the rest of the world – because really, you become a citizen of Heaven when you give your life to Jesus! You’re no longer bound by the sin that the world is filled with. But – you do still live in this broken place. So how do you navigate a world that’s not your final home? Pastor Mark will talk more today about what it means to be a set-apart believer, someone who lives in the world but doesn’t participate in its activities. It’s not always easy, but with the Lord’s help, you can honor God and be an example to others!
You may find parts of the Bible tedious, and…well, boring. Today’s message covers a passage that many would say is exactly that! But – as you’ll learn from Pastor Mark – the details of the tabernacle are anything but boring! In fact, there’s a lot we can learn simply from the individual pieces being described here in the book of Exodus! Pastor Mark will be detailing the furniture of the tabernacle today, painting a picture not only of this place of worship but of the place we will know one day as well – Heaven! The tabernacle is a mirror of our final home with the Lord. It’s also a symbol of what Jesus would become for us one day – a sacrifice to cover our sins!
The Bible tells us something you may find profound – there’s only one way into Heaven. There are plenty of arguments people will put up to refute this, but Scripture is clear – Jesus is the only option. Nothing you can do will be good enough! Today Pastor Mark will be describing the Tabernacle, something God asked the Israelites to build that would be a place of worship. There were very detailed specifications for this space – and as Pastor Mark will share, it’s a picture of Heaven! Getting into the tabernacle could only be done through one door – the same as getting into Heaven. The only way to get to your final home, where you’ll be able to worship the Lord forever in person!
Jesus said again and again who He was – He’s everything we need! He’s the water when we’re thirsty. He’s the food when we’re hungry. He’s our shelter, our comfort – and He’s the ultimate strength that’s needed to do what He’s called us to do. He’s our guide, our protector. He’s all things to us, and more! In today’s message, Pastor Mark will talk through the elements of the tabernacle, the place God established for the Israelites to worship. Each piece of furniture had a purpose – and a deeper meaning! It pointed to Jesus, to salvation that would come one day for all people!
Throughout the Bible, we get glimpses of what Heaven will be like. There’s no exact description of every single element, but then, our brains probably couldn’t handle it! But God in His kindness does give us small pieces of the puzzle – images we can look to in order to know the amazing future that awaits us! Pastor Mark will tell you more about the tabernacle God directs Moses and the Israelites to build in today’s message. It’s a pattern that reflects a part of Heaven, too. And you’ll get to see how each element also points to the mercy and goodness of God!
Guess what – God wants to spend time with you! It’s true, and Pastor Mark will tell you more about it today. Now the question becomes, do YOU want to spend time with the Lord? In order to get to know someone better, what do you do? You don’t sit around hoping to simply absorb information – you spend time getting to know them! You talk to them, maybe read something they’ve written – all in an effort to gain knowledge. The same should be true for your relationship with God. You want to know Him better, right? Then spend time with Him, reading His Word and talking to Him! The more time you spend, the more you’ll learn!
God is so good! He has provided a way for all sin to be forgiven, once and for all! It’s all because of a sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. God’s Son came down to rescue us, to wash away the guilt of what we’ve done and would always do. Blood was spilled so that yours doesn’t have to be – isn’t that amazing? Pastor Mark will talk with you today about this sacrifice and how, before Jesus, there was no permanent fix. God did set up a sacrificial system where animals could be substituted for your own life, but that was only a temporary thing. The next sin would need to be taken care of by another sacrifice. But now – NOW you have Jesus!
Do you know who Pastor Mark was just talking about? Today he’ll share about the “Angel of the Lord”. Many scholars have studied and come to an interesting conclusion – this angel of the Lord is actually Jesus! You may think Jesus only came on the scene in the New Testament, but He’s been there since the beginning! He IS God, after all! This may all be confusing to you, so stay tuned – Pastor Mark will explain this more in his message today. You’ll learn about Jesus’ involvement throughout the Bible as you continue to read it too – He’s found everywhere! And Scripture reminds you now, as it did back then, to honor Jesus and obey Him.
God wanted to protect His people from the things this world will do to tear them down. Those things may have seemed harmless at the time – talking about another nation’s god, small g – or a little dalliance in a weird, meaningless ritual. What harm could it really do? God knew – and He knows now too. Pastor Mark reminds you today that God sees those little seemingly harmless things you allow in your life. The act itself is innocent, but where will it take you? Will you say yes to more and more because you said yes to this one thing? God wants to protect you from what He knows will happen, so listen when He urges you to say no!
The Bible encourages you in several places to “love your enemy”. Easier said than done, isn’t it? Even today, in the Old Testament, long long ago – God is giving this same command. The Israelites were supposed to demonstrate this difficult aspect of love, setting them apart yet again from the world around them. Does that mean you need to as well? Pastor Mark tells you today that of course, it does! If Jesus is your Savior, then you’re just like the Israelites – one of God’s chosen people. And as such, you need to stand out from the world. You need to love as Jesus loves. Those who you see as an enemy might be who God sees as your brother or sister!
As Pastor Mark continues to walk you through the laws God gave to Moses, you’ll see a theme emerging: God protects the vulnerable. Many of His commands had to do with this idea – caring for the widow and orphan, protecting women from unjust situations, and making provisions for those who have been wronged. It’s fascinating to see how again and again, God wants to show the love to each person that they need, and He’s inviting you to this as well today. Loving those who need it is something every follower of Christ should be doing. Ask the Lord today who He wants you to love, who He may want you to fight for!
It’s easy to look at some of these bizarre laws in the Old Testament and wonder what God was thinking or wonder if He condones some of the things you learn elsewhere are sinful. But Pastor Mark has a different take on these odd topics, especially with how it relates to women. Pastor Mark reminds you that the people of Israel were living very much in the world of the Egyptians – absorbing and participating in their social norms. They didn’t know better – but that didn’t mean it was ok. God didn’t agree with the way they lived – but He loved them enough to make provisions for what had already happened. God’s law was always about love!
Are you worshipping God, or the religion that includes God? That may seem like an odd question, but Pastor Mark really wants you to examine your own heart today. If WHERE and HOW you worship the Lord is more important than the Lord Himself, then you may have a problem! Today, take a look deep inside yourself and really analyze why you do what you do when it comes to God and your involvement with Him. He is the most High, deserving of all your attention and praise. But maybe, you’ve put more emphasis on where you attend church, or what others think of your rituals. Set all that aside today, and just spend time with the Lord!
Some of the Ten Commandments seem pretty easy to follow. Don’t steal – check. Don’t murder someone else – check. Honor the Sabbath Day – well, most of the time, check. Honor your parents…well now we’re getting into some uncomfortable territory! Pastor Mark tackles this potentially awkward topic today by reminding you that there’s a difference between honoring your parents and liking them. You can honor another person even if they’ve treated you poorly. Even if they don’t return the favor – because you’re not doing it for them. You’re doing it out of obedience to God! He sees that – and He will bless you for it!
Old Testament versus New Testament. God versus Jesus. Ten Commandments versus salvation through Christ. It’s easy to separate each of these things and even pit them against each other, picking a side and condoning the other. But as you’ll learn today through Pastor Mark’s study of the Ten Commandments, that’s not how the Lord works. It’s not one versus the other – both are true and relevant, always and forevermore! While we are now able to have access to God through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus, that doesn’t mean we discount the law God put in place. It’s our guide for how to live this new life, our response to salvation!
Moses may have been naïve, but he’d learn – the Israelites would not be the easiest group to lead through the wilderness. It’s easy to shake your head at these rebellious chosen people…but really, we’re not much different. People today rebel just as quickly…we’re just not being written about in God’s Word! Instead of scoffing at the wayward Israelites, Pastor Mark will remind you today to learn from them! Look at their failures and identify similar tendencies in yourself. And then, make changes so that you can avoid that sin in the future! Ask the Lord to open your eyes to areas where you can grow in your walk with Him.
If you’ve given your life to Christ, you belong to Him! You’re His – because He paid for you with His own blood. It’s the greatest act of love you can find – a sacrifice of self, for YOU! And that’s something that everyone deserves a chance to know today. Pastor Mark will share today about Moses and the Israelites preparing their hearts to follow God. They didn’t know the sacrificial act that Jesus would perform later on, but they did know His Father – and they knew exactly what it had cost to be rescued. Sacrificial love has been a theme throughout the Bible, and it will continue to be so as we continue to follow the Israelites’ journey!
If asked, how would you rank the various activities in your life by order of importance? Is work coming before family? Is God taking a backseat to everything else in your life? If all of that is reversed and you’re following God’s prescribed priority structure for your life, then great! Keep it up – it’s not always easy to do. For the rest of us, Pastor Mark will be emphasizing today the importance of placing God first, always. He’ll remind you of how Jesus oriented His life, and how the Scripture continually places your relationship with God at the forefront of everything. He’s even more important than your family – God should always be number one!
Pastor Mark will take you on a quick recap of Moses’s journey on today’s edition of Come To The Table! He’ll remind you where Moses came from and what his first 40 years of life looked like. You’ll again follow Moses back into his time away from Egypt, another 40 years of learning and working, and beginning to discover his next steps in following the Lord. Pastor Mark will also remind you that walking with God will likely include some sacrifices – some painful moments that you need to endure. It’s all for God’s glory and your growth – and you won’t be alone, ever. God is with you through the pain and the rejoicing!
God wants you to be free from the sin that’s holding you back. It doesn’t matter what it is, or how big – it’s what the Bible refers to as “flesh” – and it’s something that can be conquered! Today you’ll join Moses and the Israelites in a literal battle against a sinful nation, but Pastor Mark will share that it’s a picture of this war on flesh that every Christian needs to wage! When God opens your eyes to the sins that need work in your heart, don’t be afraid to take them on. He’s there with you – and you can ask for help from friends who will commit to praying for you and supporting you. You can win – so start the battle!
Today the Israelites face a battle – they’re coming against a nation that doesn’t seem to care if this chosen nation lives or dies! The Israelites can’t move forward until they are defeated either – so a war ensues. Today Pastor Mark will talk with you about the people involved, and how this literal war paints a picture of the war each believer faces against the spiritual realm! As the Israelites step into battle, they need to rely on key people to guide them. The same is true for you – as you step into a battle against Satan, you need to look to Jesus. He is your only hope of Salvation! Let Him lead and follow exactly where He tells you to go!
When you want something to drink, you go in search of it. And when you find it, you quench your thirst. But as you know, that doesn’t last forever. You’ll be thirsty again, and you’ll continue to need refreshment. Today Pastor Mark will share of a spiritual thirst everyone has – and where you can find lasting and perfect refreshment! Jesus is the answer to what you’re seeking spiritually! He’s exactly who you’re looking for – exactly what you’ve been craving deep in your spirit! You NEED Jesus – so come drink from the well He has waiting for you. Come to the Lord today, right now, and let Him quench your thirst.
Ever been through a spiritual dry spell? It’s a time when you thought you had it all together – you’re following God, you’re reading the Word, but nothing seems to be happening. Pastor Mark will suggest some possible reasons for it today, but one of those might just be that God’s asking you to wait! The thing you’ll be waiting for is refreshment like you’ve never known – water that’s sweeter and more fulfilling than anything you’d find on earth. God can do that for you – and He wants to be that for you, a refreshing spring you run to for sustaining. So ask Him today as you listen to pour Himself into you like never before!
The idea of Sabbath isn’t one that’s easily accepted in today’s culture. Society says, “Work, work, work!” “Achieve! Don’t stop!” – and so rest tends to take a back seat. But that’s not how God designed us to function, and as you’ve likely observed, it’s not working well in your own life. So why not rest? Pastor Mark will talk today about the reasons God set up a Sabbath in the first place, and it comes back to a need for us to rely on Him. Not only does He provide the sustenance we need to do the work, He also provides the perfect rest we so desperately need. So take time to rest in Him – let God be your Sabbath!
The Word of God is filled with things to learn – characteristics of God, stories of His interaction with the world, ways to love other people, personal applications, and much more. But the only way to actually learn these things is to READ the Bible! Today Pastor Mark talks about the importance of daily time in Scripture – and he truly means DAILY. It’s the same idea as the Israelites gathering their food each day – as a follower of Jesus, we should be gathering Spiritual food from the Bible every day! And the more you read, the more God will reveal to you. Don’t let someone else be in charge of giving you information – ready it for yourself, today!
Being rested and refreshed– sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? You may be imagining a vacation sitting on the beach, with no worries or obligations. Maybe sitting by the fire with a good book or just sleeping as late as you want and not bothering to set an alarm. But did you know that the GREATEST refreshment and rest are found in Jesus? Pastor Mark will explain that idea more today as you listen. The Israelites are learning to rely on their God, their Savior from Egypt, each and every day – how they can trust Him to fulfill their needs and how He can give them rest! And God’s the same now – He hasn’t changed. He’s still here to provide what you need.
People come to Jesus from all walks of life – you may have learned about him at an early age, or you may be brand new to faith today. You may have a rocky back story, or maybe you were basically good but missing something…whatever your story, there’s been a change in your lifestyle! Pastor Mark will be addressing the goodness of God today. He’ll be reminding you where the Israelites have been and what they were rescued from. Their lives were completely changed! Pastor Mark will also give you a glimpse of how God planned to provide for them as they traveled to the Promised Land and why it was important for them to TRUST the Lord.
We’ve all got someone who just drives us up a wall – and I’ll bet someone just popped into your mind! Well, what Pastor Mark just said is true – God has placed the person or people in your life for a reason! It’s tough to think of it that way, isn’t it? You’d rather blame them for your bad mood or for circumstances not going right. It’s a heart condition we all must work on. Now, Pastor Mark’s not going to leave you hanging today on what to do about these not-so-easy-to-love people – he’ll give you some practical wisdom from the continuing story of Israel’s escape from Egypt.
Again today, the book of Exodus points us to Jesus! The Israelites have come to a place of difficulty – they’re in an unknown place and have no idea where their next meal, or even drink, will come from! It’s a bitter place, filled with grumbling and worry – but God will turn it around, as you’ll discover today. And just like God fixes this place of bitterness, so too does Jesus fix our situations today! Life is full of times of difficulty, but you don’t need to survive it alone. Pastor Mark will encourage you to let Jesus turn your bitterness into a sweet experience, a time of relying on Him and resting in His presence.
The Israelites have escaped Egypt. They’ve celebrated God’s incredible victory over their enemy, and now they’re heading to an incredible future – but first, they need to get there. And that journey quickly proves to be a test of faith. Today Pastor Mark will share how this nation, blessed as they were by the Lord, falls quickly into an attitude of despair. They forget what God has done and begin to worry and complain. But God sees it as a test – a way for them to demonstrate deep faith because He knows what’s going to happen. God may be testing your faith today too. It’s an opportunity for you to trust Him – so TRUST Him.
Everyone has times of difficulty in their life. Yours may not look like someone else’s, but it’s still significant. And it’s a chance for you to trust God. Pastor Mark will be sharing a difficult circumstance the Israelites find themselves in and how their reaction may not be one we want to copy. Yet even in their complaining, God comes through. When trials enter your life, is your first response complaining? Instead of wallowing in the hardness of it all, change your perspective – look to Jesus. Let Him fill you up with joy and peace, and then allow Him to take care of the problem. He will, and it will be better than your solution.
The parallels between the Old and New Testaments continue today as Pastor Mark teaches from Exodus 15. God is leading His people, the Israelites, to a promised place. He’s sent someone to rescue them – Moses – and now is preparing a home for them, a land where their needs will be met, and they will thrive. What a beautiful picture of His plans for all of humanity! Pastor Mark will remind you of the Savior God sent to rescue us – Jesus, His own son. And that rescuer has gone to prepare a place for us to live in eternity with Him if we’ll follow! All our needs will be met, and we will THRIVE in God’s presence!
Think right now about the moment you realized what Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection mean to you. It wiped away every sin in your life – EVERY sin. You got a blank slate, and a guarantee of future forgiveness. You get a home for eternity with Jesus. And you’re part of His family! You’re a son or daughter of the King of the Universe – and that comes with all kinds of blessing and inheritance. What Jesus did for you on the cross is momentous! Pastor Mark will talk today about this new life you have when you surrender to Jesus. And if you haven’t yet done that, today’s the day – it’s a great time to become a child of the King!
When you give your life to Christ, a whole new world is opened up to you! You become a child of God, a son or daughter of the King of Heaven. With that comes promises and inheritance, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you. You have hope for eternity and a direct connection to supernatural help! It’s an incredible thing – but it’s ONLY for a believer. Pastor Mark shares today how some people assume they can tap into the treasures of Heaven simply by being good or coming to church sometimes. It just doesn’t work that way! In order to have the help of the Father, you need to become one of His children.
Have you ever been in a situation that seemed utterly hopeless? There’s no solution – you can’t find an answer and nothing you do changes the situation. This is where we find the Israelites in today’s message – they have an ocean on one side of them, and the Egyptian army on the other – the only foreseeable conclusion is death! But is that how God sees it? Pastor Mark will show you through Exodus 14 just how differently God views our hopeless situations! He sees the solution because He IS the solution! And while there are times God may want you to participate, He may just want you to sit back and let HIM take care of it!
Do you remember in Scripture when Jesus was tempted by the enemy? He was in the wilderness, away from all that was familiar– tired and hungry – and Satan shows up. Satan does his best to pull Jesus away from the mission of saving the world. But Jesus responds in the way you can too – He quotes Scripture! Pastor Mark will share a similarly dire situation the Israelites find themselves in – they’re in the wilderness too, away from the familiarity of Egypt and the enemy is showing up. But God was with them – and He would save them again! God is with you too – hold fast to the truth found in the Bible and believe that He will rescue you again.
Today we find the Israelites in a terrible situation – they’ve left Egypt, which is exactly what needed to happen – but now they’re at an impassible body of water, with the Egyptian army closing in. Picture yourself in that situation – you’d be afraid, right? Maybe looking to blame someone – like Moses? Or even God? As Pastor Mark said, it was God after all who led them there. Think about this too – God’s led you to this hopeless situation, but He doesn’t expect YOU to find the solution. He may include you in the process, but it’s ultimately up to Him to figure it out. So instead of blaming God, TRUST HIM! He knows what He’s doing.
God didn’t rescue the Israelites from Egypt and then just set them out on their own. He didn’t say “well, I did my part – go do whatever you want.” God’s not like that – He wasn’t then, and He isn’t today! Pastor Mark will talk today about the guide provided to the Israelites as they headed toward their new home – the Promised Land. By day, it was a cloud they followed, and by night a pillar of fire – but both were the presence of the Lord. He was WITH them through it all, guiding them to their destination. And today, when you give your life to Christ, you get the same presence – it comes in the form of the Holy Spirit!
If you’re a parent, you know how much there is for your children to learn. And you also know how much influence everything has on them – and why you need to protect them. Today Pastor Mark will remind you what an important job you have in raising these gifts from God, in teaching them the truth of the Bible while you still can. You are molding them into the men and women who will lead the future – and they’re ready to learn! If you’re not a parent, don’t think you’re getting off with no Responsibility. You likely have young people in your circle who you can impact – how are you influencing them by how you live your life?
The whole idea of the Passover makes it clear that God blesses His children. As you’ll see in today’s message with Pastor Mark, God gave everyone the opportunity to be saved from the 10th plague – the death of the firstborn. The Israelites were instructed to do specific things in order to be exempt from this terrible thing – but the Egyptians could have chosen to follow the example of the Israelites too! Today, people will see that you’re a follower of Christ if you are indeed following Him. And they will have the option to change their lives too – then they can know the incredible blessings of God as well!
The Israelites FINALLY leave Egypt! The final plague has swept the nation, and Pharoah has relented – they can leave! And as you’ll discover in today’s message, they were given gifts to take with them. They had nothing, but God would provide all they needed for the next journey. Doesn’t that fit with your relationship with God today? Pastor Mark will draw another parallel between this event and the life a Christian has in following Jesus. You may not have everything you need to fulfill the plans God has for you right now– but He WILL equip you. Don’t be afraid to ask – request the spiritual gifts that are available because of your faith in Christ and see what God will do with them.
Today Pastor Mark will continue teaching about what we now know as Passover – and why it points to Jesus. As the final plague was about to start, God asked His people to do something unique – they needed to put blood on their doorposts. This was a sign to the Angel of Death – these houses are set apart for the Lord. They’re under HIS protection. Now – think about the cross that Jesus died on – His blood was shed for you. It covers your sin and places you in God’s family, in His love forever. It’s a sign that death cannot claim you. You are forever protected by this blood if you choose to accept it.
Did you know that about the Bible? That Jesus is found throughout Scripture? It’s true, and Pastor Mark will show you many examples today just from this chapter in the book of Exodus! God had a plan from the very beginning, because He knew sin would separate us. And He knew we’d need help - He’d have to do the work for us. Because God loves us more than we can understand, He wants to establish a personal relationship with each person. And that came because He was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice. Now, all you need to do is accept Jesus as your Savior and that broken relationship is restored.
Have you ever had someone tell you to be less religious? You can have your beliefs, but just keep it to yourself – that’s for you, not for me. Well, as you’ll find out throughout the Bible and in today’s study, that’s not how God operates! God wants EVERYONE to have a chance at a new life, a forgiven life. One that doesn’t rely on what YOU can do, but on what God already did for you. Today Pastor Mark will encourage you toward this type of life if you haven’t yet met Jesus personally. And if you have, Pastor Mark will remind you to tell everyone. Give every person you meet the opportunity to know what you already know and live by.
Think about the darkest place you’ve ever been – maybe a cave or a room completely pitch black. You may enjoy the lack of light, but what if that’s all you knew for several days? Maybe for weeks? That kind of darkness begins to mess with your mind, joy and hope seem to disappear. And that’s exactly what this next plague has brought to the Egyptians! Pastor Mark reminds you of an incredible truth today though – God is light. He’s everything the spiritually dark world is waiting for. He’s the joy and hope that can’t be found – and what love for His children! Anyone can have this light in their life, if only they come to Him and believe.
The world doesn’t mind a little religion. Just look at the shelves of stores – there are little crosses here and there, or angels to watch over you. There are coexist bumper stickers, and people who proudly attend church twice a year for tradition’s sake. All of that is a little bit of religion, but it doesn’t change lives. It’s picked up when it’s convenient – and ONLY then. Today Pastor Mark talks about how this was the same in Moses’ time. Pharoah would allow a little bit of worship of God, but no more. Don’t go crazy Moses – what will people think of you? But really, God is WORTH going all in for – the life change will be better than you could ever imagine.
If you’ve studied history, you know that the Egyptian nation had many gods – little “g” gods, meaning they were created by the Egyptians. They had no real power – they were just objects and concepts, ways to try to explain what couldn’t be easily understood. And as you’ve seen in this study of Exodus so far, God – big G, the true and living Creator – is besting them all. Today Pastor Mark will share the next plague to fall upon the hard-hearted Egyptians – locusts! These insects would come in and destroy everything, further depleting the economy and causing only distress, but will it be enough to change Pharoah’s heart?
Pastor Mark tells you today that one day, every person who has ever lived will have to stand before the Lord. They’ll see God face to face, and it will be too late to make a decision to be saved by grace. At that point, no one will have an excuse. So, what does that mean for you? If you have already given your life to Christ, you’re saved. Now – go tell others about Him! And if you’ve been holding out, waiting to believe in the Lord, then it’s time for you to wake up. You won’t live forever; your time will one day come to an end. So why wait? Listen today to Pastor Mark’s teaching and decide if you want to follow Jesus – and make that decision today.
If you heard something horrible was about to happen and you had evidence to support the claim, wouldn’t you prepare for it? Most people would. And if you trust the source of the information, there’s even more reason to heed the warning! The Bible contains a lot of such information – warnings about things to come and the evidence to back it up. It also shows a rich history of God being right. If the Bible’s so trustworthy, why don’t more people live by its guidance? Pastor Mark today will encourage you to be one who does heed the Word and who prepares for what’s to come. You CAN and SHOULD trust God.
When something big happens, the world tends to hear about it. A war breaks out – a pandemic – a controversial new leader takes office – it’s all over the news. Big things catch our attention and draw us in. And the thing is – that’s been happening for a long time! Pastor Mark tells you today how word traveled back in the days of Moses. Even without mass press releases or flooding social media feeds like we see today, the news still got out, and it still grabbed people’s attention. Other nations heard what God was doing for the Israelites in Egypt, and they remembered when this same nation made their way into new territory.
If God said something was going to happen, and then it did, wouldn’t you believe? Most people would answer yes…but sometimes, pride gets in the way. People can be hard-hearted, refusing to give in to the evidence of truth. That’s certainly the case with Pharoah. At this point in our series, Pharoah has been through quite a few experiences that only God could have orchestrated. And he was told they were coming! Yet he still chose not to give in to the truth. Pastor Mark will encourage you NOT to be like Pharoah. Don’t harden your heart against the truth, but instead embrace who God is. He is powerful, yet merciful and loving – and worth knowing.
Compromise in faith is a slippery slope – but it’s a tactic used by Satan often. And it’s not always easy to see – you’re still saying you’re a Christian, but maybe you’re letting quiet time slide. Or maybe work’s become a little busier, so you’re skipping time with the Word and with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe you’re participating in questionable things, justifying them to yourself. These compromises may seem small, but they won’t stay that way! As Pastor Mark shares Moses’s encounter with Pharoah today, you’ll see that compromise was being proposed – but Moses will stand his ground! He plans to follow God, no matter what!
God is good – Satan isn’t. That might seem like an easy enough statement to believe, but sometimes we get it confused. We see the opportunity Satan tempts us with as good and full of personal gain…even if it takes us away from the things of God. Satan is subtle – he’s not going to paint the whole picture for you and show you how bad things will get. Pastor Mark will talk today about compromising your faith and just how dangerous it is. He’ll share the ways that Satan can tempt you and trick you and how it’s been going on for generations. But you’ll also see God’s promises fulfilled, again and again!
When God tries to get your attention – LISTEN! That might be the biggest takeaway as you join Pastor Mark for today’s message – God has something to say. And when He speaks, He wants you to hear. He wants you to stop sinning and start a new and better life with Him. That’s what He wanted for the Egyptians – and He gave them plenty of opportunities to turn around and try again. What has God been saying to you lately? Has He been pointing out sin in your life? Today’s a great day to start listening. Take the lesson of the Egyptian people and apply it to yourself – don’t wait until it’s too late to repent. And in the end, God wins.
This picture God paints in the book of Exodus is one of God versus Satan – good versus evil. Pastor Mark will continue to expand on this idea as you listen, but the point of the message is clear – Satan – evil – wants to destroy. God wants to protect and rescue. And in the end, God will win! So, what does that mean for your life today? Well, neither God nor Satan has changed! The enemy is still trying to pull you away from good, from your Creator. He lies, cheats, and steals your life. He has nothing good, no matter how much he sugarcoats it. But God is equally good, and He has a plan of rescue.
Pastor Mark’s study of the book of Exodus has come to a point where Pharoah could have saved his people a lot of hardship. He COULD have seen God’s power and decided to let the people go. He would be witnessing some great things from the Lord – why not recognize it and admit the authority? But as you’ll see today, he doesn’t. Many people could admit that God is powerful. They SEE miracles. They HEAR the truth. They KNOW where it’s coming from – but they simply don’t yield. Keep praying for those you’re sharing the Gospel with, that one day they’ll understand and know the Lord personally.
God is going to move. Whatever situation you find yourself in today, believe that. God is going to move in your life, in your trial, in this world – and He’ll do it exactly as He knows is best. And – you can TRUST that it’s the best solution. How can you be sure of that though? Pastor Mark will tell you today – it’s because you see it happening AGAIN and AGAIN in the Bible! Don’t worry today about the circumstances surrounding you. Give it to the Lord and jump into the Word. You’ll find the strength and comfort you crave right now as you read about how faithful and good God is. Pray often, and trust – God’s got this.
What is God asking you to do today? Is it something brand new, or has He been asking for a while? Today Pastor Mark shares some explanations Moses gave when God asked him to help free Israel from slavery – and it wasn’t the first time Moses used these same tired excuses! As you continue to grow in your faith and follow the Lord, you will be asked to do something – and it might be well outside your comfort zone. Pastor Mark reminds you today that God knows what He’s doing – He knows what He’s asking of you! He’ll help you be ready, and He’ll be with you throughout. Don’t make excuses – just get to work.
The God you read about in the Bible hasn’t changed – He’s been the same since before the world began. You know the same God that Moses did – God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all existed and still do today. But your ability to experience Him HAS changed. Pastor Mark will tell you today that before Jesus came to die on the cross people couldn’t have the Holy Spirit dwelling IN them. Thankfully, God did send His Son to die on the cross for you. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you’re given a gift – the Holy Spirit living in you, guiding and directing you every step of the way! What a blessing it is to have that intimate relationship!
God is known by many names, each one revealing a different characteristic of Himself. All of them are God – all of them are aspects of who He is. But sometimes, we can get stuck on only one of his names, missing out on areas of His personality we could know more intimately. Today Pastor Mark talks about 2 of these names – El Shaddai, and Yahweh. El Shaddai means creator of the Universe – it’s a powerful attribute and one worthy of awe and wonder. But God is also Yahweh – Father. He cares deeply about you and wants to provide for you, as a Father does! This relationship is intimate, and personal, and worth exploring!
God wants you to step out in faith. He’s on the move, and you’re invited to join Him – and sometimes you’ll need to simply start moving! And sometimes, especially if you’re relying on yourself to get it done – you might fail. But as Pastor Mark will talk more about today, that’s ok – and that might be part of God’s plan. God deserves the glory for anything done in His name. He is, after all, the reason you’re following Him and the source of your Salvation! So in all that you do, remember who it is that’s orchestrating events. And if you just can’t see how something will work, do it anyway – God will make it happen, if He so desires!
Oh, what a sneaky and demanding taskmaster the enemy is. He doesn’t offer breaks. He doesn’t take care of you. He wants to tear you down; he’ll never give you all you seek. Satan is harsh, unyielding, and he’ll trick you into doing exactly what he knows will be harmful to you. Don’t fall for it! Pastor Mark will talk with you today about the freedom we’ll have when we get away from Satan. There’s hope and joy and blessing in Christ! And today, you can have that freedom. You can walk away from the enemy and accept help from Jesus. Don’t spend another minute under the tyranny of the enemy.
There are giants in your life; you might not be able to see them or touch them, but they’re there. Big decisions that keep you up at night--a diagnosis with no easy answer, unexpected deaths--all of it can feel overwhelming. So what can you do? How do you slay the giants? Well, the honest answer is, you can’t on your own. Pastor Mark will be sharing a situation today where a giant problem is plaguing the Israelites – how can they be rescued from slavery? Moses has come to tell them they’ll be free – but that just seems impossible! Yet as you’ll continue to see in this study, NOTHING is impossible – not with God on your side.
Some people “know” the Lord, meaning they’ve heard about God. They may have gone to church a couple of times, or maybe a family member mentioned Him. But when you dig deeper into their life, they don’t really know what He’s all about. They haven’t spent time learning about Him from the Word. And more importantly, they haven’t been saved by the blood of Jesus! Today’s message is a bit of a wake-up call for anyone who doesn’t truly know Jesus. If that’s you, listen closely – you’ll discover something amazing about how your life could be changed forever. It’s worth it to get to know the Lord.
Have you been praying for a friend or family member to come to the Lord, but it seems like nothing’s happening? Well today, Pastor Mark will encourage you through his message to keep praying! Keep asking the Lord to get them away from Satan and to reveal Himself to them. It’s a bold prayer, but one that’s worth the effort. Moses is embarking on an epic battle for the lives of the Israelites – a battle that Pastor Mark shares is a picture of God versus Satan. God wants everyone to experience freedom. Some choose not to be free, but that doesn’t mean you stop trying. Never stop praying – it’s your weapon in the fight.
In this teaching, Moses is finally back with the Israelites. He’s done what God has asked and has returned to the place God told him to go. He talks to his brother, and together they approach the nation with what the Lord has said. The plan is in motion! Pastor Mark reminds you in his message of the importance of following God’s instructions. That’s all you’re really asked to do if you think about it. You aren’t meant to be the Savior – you just need to talk about Him. Jesus did the heavy lifting – He’s the one who’s saved you. And God will be the one to save Israel – he just asked Moses and Aaron to be His hands and feet.
Moses certainly had a big task laying in front of him – leading the people of Israel out of Egypt. And it wasn’t a tiny nation; it was likely millions--all looking to him for leadership. That’s a lot of pressure, but Moses wouldn’t be alone. He needed to constantly follow the Lord. As you learn more about Moses’s path back to Egypt, you’ll find that obedience was key; Pastor Mark will tell you more about that in his message today. Obeying the commands of God would show the people Moses was about to lead how it’s done. They needed guidance. And though Moses was flawed, he was still chosen by God to be that leader.
The idea of circumcision can be a sensitive topic to talk about – no pun intended. It’s cutting flesh – and it’s painful! But as you’ll learn in today’s message, it’s a sacrifice that shows commitment. God intended it to be a sign for His people to the world – that they are willing to do whatever’s necessary to follow the Lord. As Pastor Mark says today, the practice of circumcision as a sign of following God isn’t widely practiced anymore – not since Jesus came and died for our sins. Now, we have a new way of showing our commitment to Him. It can still be painful, cutting parts of the world out of your life, but it’s a symbol of your devotion to Christ.
Moses could have stayed in Egypt. He could have ignored the cries of the Israelites, or he could have stayed in his current capacity to make a difference later on. He might have waited, become Pharoah himself, and released the Israelites. We’ll never know what might have been – but we do know what actually happened – God used Moses to do some incredible things! Pastor Mark reminds you today that you could, under your own power, make some remarkable changes. But what could you do if you let God dictate the path? What if He were in charge, and you simply followed? Moses’s life was radically transformed, and yours could be too!
Pastor Mark is going to be reminding you of your purpose today. He won’t give you exact instructions for how you are to follow the Lord in what He’s called you to do – but he will share that there’s a plan. And there’s a limited time to accomplish this plan! If you’ve been putting off following Jesus and doing what He’s asked of you, it’s time to stop making excuses. This life is all you have to serve the Lord with on earth. If you’re following Him and doing what He’s asking, great! Keep going and remember He’s with you always! And if you’ve been putting it off, it’s time to get moving – start putting your life in Jesus' hands today.
God DOES prepare His people to do what He has planned for them. He really does1 But – you might not think you’re ready when He finally tells you what He wants you to do. Look at Moses – he’d had 40 years to learn and grow, but when God finally laid out the plan, Moses started throwing out every excuse in the book! Is that your first response to God too? Today, tell the Lord you’re ready to do what He’s asked, even if you don’t think you are. Pastor Mark reminds you that God’s got you – His plans are perfect, and He’s not leaving you alone! You’ll have His help always, and He’s made you ready.
When you share the Word of God, it’s not always going to have an immediate effect. Wouldn’t it be nice if it did though--if everyone you told about Jesus immediately acknowledged their sin and turned to Him? Even though that doesn’t often happen, it doesn’t mean you should give up sharing the Gospel. Pastor Mark reminds you today to keep telling people about Jesus, every chance you get! All you need to do is plant the seed – God’s got the rest. As you’ll discover today, God simply asked Moses to obey – He didn’t guarantee the result. But because of Moses’s obedience, many people learned about the love of the Lord.
Just because you grew up in a family of believers doesn’t mean you’re a Christian. Just because you go to church sometimes or do good things, you’re not necessarily saved. Your location, your lifestyle – none of it guarantees you’ll go to Heaven. Yet even knowing that, many people still “try” to be enough. What’s the answer? The answer is Jesus – and you can learn all about Him in the love letter His Father wrote for you. It’s the Bible, and today Pastor Mark will share more of what it says. Listen closely, and ask yourself an important question – are you TRULY saved by the grace of Jesus? And if so, who do you need to tell about Him?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit can sometimes be misunderstood and therefore pushed aside or even feared. Take the gift of tongues – it seems crazy to suddenly speak in another language, one you don’t even know – but that’s the point. The Gift of Tongues is for God, not for you! It’s a supernatural experience that’s an honor to witness or experience, yet many fear it. Pastor Mark will urge you today not to disregard any of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, no matter how strange they seem to you. There might be something incredible God’s wanting to do in your life that you’re shutting the door on. Instead, trust God and allow Him to work as He sees fit.
There’s a possibility that not everyone you tell about Jesus will accept Him. In fact, it’s possible many will completely reject Him! As Pastor Mark will tell you today, this isn’t a surprise to the Lord – and it doesn’t mean you should stop telling people the good news of the Gospel. As you continue to study the book of Exodus with Pastor Mark, you’ll discover just how difficult it was for Moses to get his point across. He had the truth on his side, and even more – GOD on his side! Yet Pharoah refused to see comply. All Moses could do was continue to do as the Lord directed – and that holds true for you as well as you tell people about Jesus.
It’s interesting to think about – God will make sure you get paid when you’re working for Him. It’s part of the provision God promises all His people – if we’re doing what He asks, He’ll make sure we’re taken care of! It just might not always be in the way you expect. In this teaching, you’ll learn why God asks the children of Israel to request money from the Egyptians – it’s what they’re due! God’s taking care of their future by providing what they’ll need. God’s providing for you too! Everything you do for the Kingdom is building up treasure in Heaven. And you can trust the Lord to take care of the present as well.
The children of Israel were certainly blessed – God’s favor was upon them, even when they were among their enemies. As Pastor Mark will share in his message today, God provided all they needed from the hands of the people oppressing them. God would continue to show favor to His people as they traveled toward the place He had promised them. Even in their disobedience, God provided all they needed. Pastor Mark will encourage you to seek the same from the Lord. Don’t be afraid to ask Him for provision and for favor in difficult circumstances God knows what you need, and He’s there for you.
As a follower of Jesus, you have been tasked with telling others about Him. He wants you to share the good news that everyone can be saved from sin – just as you have been! But sometimes, it seems overwhelming when it seems like no one’s listening. It can get discouraging when they don’t believe you. But as Pastor Mark will tell you today, it’s not your job to win them over! You are God’s messenger – period! You’re just called to tell people about Him – not to save them. God will take care of that part of it – you simply get to trust Him and let Him move. Plant the seed, then let the Lord grow the faith!
Following the Lord doesn’t need to be done solo – in fact, it won’t be. When God gives you something to do, He’s coming with you. He’s there each step of the way, guiding you and giving you the words to say. It’s easy to make excuses when you’re being led by God. God takes you out of your comfort zone – and comfort can be enticing. Fear of the unknown can also hold you back – don’t let it! Pastor Mark will talk with you today about diving all into the Lord’s plans and letting Him get you to where you need to go. Don’t let excuses or fear keep you from experiencing all that God has waiting for you!
Pastor Mark wants you to know today that God can use you right now, exactly as you are. You don’t have to learn more – just go. You don’t have to wait until you’ve matured in your faith – just go. Whatever God’s calling you to do – just go. Sometimes God does have something for you to learn before you step into ministry. Like Moses, you may have to wait to step into the big plan God has for you. But right now, God may have something for you to step into – so just do it! Let Him guide you into the path He has created for you, and let Him equip you with exactly what you need to succeed.
When God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt, He had plans. He knew what they needed, and He wanted to bless them. He had a place in mind, and it was good, spacious, and filled with provision. God cared deeply about His people – and He cares deeply about you! God wants to bless you too, and He has great plans for you. Listen today as Pastor Mark describes all that God has waiting for His people – everyone who has given their lives to Christ. God’s plans are perfect and grand and filled with provision, but you need to trust Him. Follow where He leads and you won’t be disappointed!
Satan lies. Surprised? You shouldn’t be; the enemy of God will do whatever he can to pull you away from the truth, and frequently, that includes manipulation and distortion of reality. Don’t be fooled; if the Bible says one thing and the enemy is whispering another in your ear, trust the Bible. God continually proves He’s right throughout Scripture and throughout your life. Pastor Mark will be encouraging you today to seek the truth. Bring everything you hear from every person back to the truth of Scripture. There’s no harm in doing that – you’ll learn for yourself and be able to spot the false teaching that’s out there.
This may come as a surprise, but you don’t have to know everything about God and the Bible to tell others about Him. Of course, it would be great if you had all the answers before even beginning to speak, but you don’t – and that’s ok! God doesn’t need you to be well versed in all things spiritual to be His witness. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will encourage you to simply follow Jesus – that’s it. Don’t worry about having all the steps in place or getting all the answers – just follow. Say what He leads you to say. Love who He urges you to love. God’s the one who will fill in the gaps when it’s necessary, so just trust Him.
Think of the plethora of voices speaking “truth” into the world today – they come from every political standpoint, every social justice standpoint, from the rich, from the poor, from the famous, from the everyday Joe. It’s everywhere – everybody wants to speak about what THEY think is true. It’s hard to sort through the voices to find the ACTUAL truth. The same has been true throughout history, but Pastor Mark tells you today how to combat it. You need to take everything you hear back to the Bible! Look it up for yourself and read about who God really is. Learn His ways and His heart, and then apply that to what you’re hearing.
Becoming a Christian is easy. Living as a Christian isn’t. BUT…it’s worth the work. It’s worth taking yourself out of sin and living for Jesus! It’s worth seeking Jesus’ love and grace and filling your life with Him! Pastor Mark will be telling you today about an encounter between Moses and God. Moses is ready for ministry, but He needs to be near His Creator in order for it to be successful. The same is true for you – you need to draw near to God as you step out in faith. And this isn’t a one-time thing either – it’s a daily decision to be close to your Savior and discover exactly what He has planned for you!
Worry can come in easily and often. Something goes wrong in your day – worry’s right there to fill your head. You get anxious about how you’ll cover a car payment, a medical bill, how you’ll put food on the table. Will you keep your job, will your family stay healthy – but there’s got to be another way. Guess what…there is! Pastor Mark has the solution to all your worry today – hand it over to God. Just look at what He’s done throughout history! He fed thousands on one boy’s lunch, and thousands more for 40 years in the desert. He healed people and still does today. He’s more powerful than you can imagine – so TRUST Him!
There’s a fine line to walk when you’re doing something for the Lord. Of course, you want people to be blessed and you want to honor your Savior…but do you also want recognition? Are you looking for people to watch you and tell you how great you are? As you listen to Pastor Mark’s teaching today, ask yourself what the motivation is behind your personal walk with the Lord. Who do you want to please by what you do? The Bible tells us again and again that God sees everything you do – and really, His opinion is the only one that matters! So keep your eyes fixed on Him, and let Him give you the recognition you
There’s something you need to know about doing good for the glory of God – the enemy hates it. Pastor Mark gives you a great example of this today and will continue to as you study the book of Exodus. The enemy of God, Satan, wants nothing more than to stand in the way of people hearing the truth. Now, knowing that Satan will oppose you ministering to others may scare you, but Pastor Mark needs you to know something – you’re not alone. God is ALWAYS with you as you serve Him, and He’s fighting for you! You can turn to Him with your battle and let Him take care of it – you just keep doing what He’s asking you to do.
Wouldn’t it be easy if everyone took you at your word, just because you actually knew what you were talking about? Knowledge is powerful, and it’s helpful in many situations. But, as Pastor Mark will share today, it means nothing if not delivered in a loving and gentle manner. You’re going to meet people in this world who are obviously sinful. And as a follower of Christ, you’ll know what’s wrong with them! But how far are you going to get by simply telling them the error of their ways? They probably already know! Pastor Mark reminds you to take a gentle and loving approach to the truth. Give grace – the way God has for you!
Hard times come – where do you turn? It’s inevitable that sometime in your life, you’ll experience difficulty – a death of a loved one, an illness, a loss of income – it’s all a lot to take in and a lot to navigate through. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will share another difficult time in Moses’s life, a time when he had to experience trouble in the wilderness. God’s solution for Moses – and the one you should take on – is to draw him to the well of living water. Your living water is found in Jesus – it’s refreshing, restoring, and a place to rest. And if you remain rooted in this living water, you’ll find the strength you need to endure every trial!
Do you know what God wants you to do with your life? If you do, great! Now you get to wait on the Lord’s timing. That’s not easy to do – most of us want to jump right on in the deep end, ready to serve right here, right now! Put me in coach! But guess what – God may not want you to get started just yet. As you wait on God’s timing, don’t give up hope – and don’t get distracted! Lean into your Savior and learn all you can about Him and His plans for you. Pastor Mark will remind you through his study in Moses’s life today that it can be dangerous to jump in too soon – your good intentions could yield some negative results!
If you’re going through something right now, today’s message has some hope to provide. Pastor Mark will talk with you about ways God might be preparing you for a unique ministry. You’re in boot camp – training for the way in which God will be using you to bless someone else’s life! It’s not easy to go through a difficult situation. It doesn’t matter what it is – the hard times can seem endless and pointless. But Pastor Mark will be encouraging you to remember God’s faithfulness and to cling to it in the trials. Don’t forget that He’s got a plan – you can trust Him to bring it all together at the right time, in the right place!
Pastor Mark today will be telling you about the call Moses received to save the people of Israel. It didn’t exactly start out well – Moses actually killed someone in the process. But did that disqualify him from being used by God? Not at all. And your past doesn’t disqualify you either. But – God needs to be the one to tell you when and where your ministry begins! You have unique gifts and talents that can be used by God to make a great impact in this world. But – the calling to do ministry needs to come from God. AND – He needs to be the one guiding the ministry. It’s not up to you to make ministry happen!
Put yourself in the shoes of Moses’s mother for a moment – the ruler of the land you live in has ordered that your newborn son be killed. With faith, you’ve kept him a secret, and now you’re putting him in a basket in a river to end up in some unknown place – with an unknown life. Could you do it? Would you trust God with someone – or something – that valuable? Pastor Mark will encourage you to put it all in God’s hands today – every uncertainty, every decision, and each loved one you have. EVERYTHING goes to God – and then the worry will go as well. When God’s in control, you can have peace instead!
When you hear the word “slavery”, you likely think of people oppressing other people – but can you be enslaved to other things? Pastor Mark says yes – he’ll share how anyone can easily become a slave to surroundings, to things and status, and especially to addiction. But – don’t lose hope just yet. Pastor Mark will be talking today about Israel’s enslavement and their need for a deliverer. You need a deliverer too – and you have one! Jesus came to save everyone from what’s put you in chains – sin. He’s rescued many already, and He can rescue you too. Today you can break free from whatever has a hold on you!
The midwives of Egypt had been given a specific and deadly order at the time of Moses’s birth – they had to kill all of the baby boys born to Israelite women. This nation of people, God’s chosen people, were under attack by the enemy – and the midwives had to make a choice to either side with God or side with their leader. Thankfully, they chose to honor the Lord! As Pastor Mark will share today, God blessed these women greatly for their service to Him. And even now, God blesses those who stand with His chosen people! Israel may not be the perfect nation, but they are still God’s – and He still chooses them!
Have you ever been in a situation where right and wrong are colliding? Where the things you know are good and God-honoring will be mocked by other people? Today, you’ll be introduced to some women who found themselves in that exact situation – with deadly consequences! As you heard Pastor Mark say, these women could have been killed by Pharoah simply for letting a baby live. What a terrifying position to be in! Yet they chose to follow God instead – and it had incredible results! You can choose this too – you can pick right over wrong today. You can trust God and do what will honor Him – even if it isn’t easy!
The enemy is sneaky – he’s not going to announce himself. He’ll use whatever tactics he can to stop the message of Jesus getting through. It’s worked before – and you’ll see it firsthand as you join Pastor Mark for his study today! But since Jesus has come and changed people, is Satan still as much of a threat? The answer to that question is a resounding YES. Satan will continue to be a menace until Jesus comes back as the conquering King. He’ll use whatever he can too – governments, circumstances, weather – even your friends and family. Hold fast to the truth so you can see him coming!
Satan doesn’t like God winning – he’s the enemy of faith, after all. Satan wants to stop people from hearing about salvation in Jesus, and if they do give their lives to Christ, he still gets in the way of growth. But this isn’t a new phenomenon – this enemy has been on the warpath from the very beginning! Pastor Mark is continuing his introduction of the book of Exodus today, a book that details how the people of Israel have run right up against Satan. They are God’s people – so Satan continues to push against their ability to thrive. But Pastor Mark will remind you that God’s greater. In fact, God will ALWAYS be greater than Satan, and will always be victorious in the end!
Today, Pastor Mark begins a study in the book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible and one of the books of law. Now, you may look at this book and think it’s outdated – it’s useless because Jesus came and fulfilled the law already! Why would you even want to look at it? The law of the Lord is STILL so valuable to every person – but not because it will save you. It’s important because it reveals how God desires His children to live! Pastor Mark will explain how God’s perfect law is still applicable today as it was when it was written, and why you should continue to study the books written before Jesus came on the scene!
Do you remember playing Tug of War in elementary school? Both sides would wait for the whistle and then pull with all their might. In this teaching, Pastor Mark describes what it is like when the Holy Spirit draws people closer to Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit does not give up, and Jesus is ready to catch you. Are you resisting? Are you digging in your heels? Do you feel a tug in one direction and then pull with all your might the other way? The Holy Spirit is urging you to draw close to Jesus Christ. It doesn’t have to be a battle of wills; it’s a sweet surrender. He loves you and wants to welcome you to Heaven.
Advertisements for food usually fit into two categories...describing what is IN the food or describing bad things that are NOT in the food. The smoothie is rich in antioxidants and vitamins....the granola bar does NOT have trans-fat or preservatives. In this teaching, Pastor Mark describes Heaven by explaining what will be there AND the flip side...what will NOT be in Heaven. Heaven will be filled with righteousness and goodness. Love will be in its purest form. The curse will be removed. There will not be any struggles or sicknesses. All your stress will be gone.
In this message, Pastor Mark describes a perfect city created by the original architect...God. Words fall short of describing the future city of New Jerusalem, but John does his best in this chapter. Let’s try to picture it in our minds.
Our time here on Earth is temporary. But not in a BAD way. If you believe in Jesus as your savior, there are many more moments in time that will be far greater than any here on Earth. Joy without sorrow--love without loss--all this is to come. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains what life will be like during the millennial rule of Christ--1000 years of a perfect Earth after Satan is bound. Knowing that pain is temporary takes some of the sting away. Believing and trusting in the new perfect life with Christ will help you to endure today’s difficult trials.
Have you ever gone through a hard time and felt incredibly alone...forgotten... without hope? In this message, Pastor Mark explains that John was alone in a prison on the island of Patmos when he wrote the Holy Spirit-inspired book of Revelation. John understood what it meant to be persecuted. God revealed to John that he would someday be seated on a throne. You can also be seated on a throne. Believing in Jesus Christ is the first step towards that event. It’s hard to imagine that during your struggles in the here and now, but it’s true. There will be a throne for you and other believers.
There are many songs written about peace on Earth. What a glorious thought!... No more fighting or wars. No more sadness or sickness. The Bible says that will actually happen after the Great Tribulation. Jesus will rule on the new perfect Earth for 1000 years. Peace will finally be a reality. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches that before the 1000-year rule of Jesus Christ...when perfect peace will exist...Satan has to be bound first. You might think that the mightiest angels will have to fight to bind Satan...They won’t... God will use an ordinary angel. He wants you to know Satan is not that powerful.
Most people prefer to picture Jesus as calm and peaceful. Rightly so... He IS the Prince of Peace. However, during the end times as described in the book of Revelation...Jesus shows another side. He is at war with the Antichrist. He is going to battle to settle the score once and for all. Today, Pastor Mark describes what Jesus will look like when He is headed to battle. It’s a graphic description...BUT it is fitting for the time of tribulation AND necessary to destroy ALL the evil on Earth. Jesus will defend the nation of Israel, which has been persecuted throughout history, rescuing them once again.
Have you ever looked at gems in a museum before? There are some gems that are still rough...they haven’t been cut and polished. Then there are the cut and polished gems... They shine and glitter especially under the lights in the display at the museum. Behind the gems are mirrors that reflect the color and beauty of all the different stones. In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about the New Heaven described in Revelation. The walls will be made of see-through gems and believers will actually glow. Can you imagine the dazzling display? Begin now to let your light shine for Jesus and later you will glow even brighter.
Drug abuse is rampant around the world...destroying lives and tearing families apart...Many drugs are a bridge leading straight to destruction...it only takes one experience and a soul is addicted....waiting and longing for the next hit. Unfortunately, drugs are used by Satan to draw people away from God. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that there is HOPE in Jesus...He has power over evil. Instead of numbing your pain...reach out to Jesus and His healing powers. Your mind can be a scary place where thoughts swirl and multiply...Jesus can calm a storm with a single word and bring stillness to you right when you need it.
Producing counterfeit money is illegal but that doesn’t stop people from printing it. They want to use it to buy items without having to do the hard work of earning money. One sin leads to another and then it pulls more people in. Today, Pastor Mark explains that Satan has similar tactics when he creates fake religions. He wants to lead people away from faith in Jesus. Satan will do everything in his power to deceive and destroy. He took the story of a virgin birth and twisted it to fit into his counterfeit religion. God has given you a sound mind and has provided His word, the Bible, to help you stand firm against evil.
The names of Honor Roll students are often listed in the school newsletter or printed in the local newspaper. It’s a GREAT honor and encouraging to young students - BUT there is a list that is even better to find your name on...it’s the Lamb’s Book of Life. The Lamb’s Book of Life is better than any award or trophy you might receive. Today, Pastor Mark explains that you can get your name inside by believing in Jesus. Turn away from sin! Instead, make choices that are pleasing to God. Honor him in all that you do. Then you will be with Jesus during the end times...instead of being deceived by evil or fighting for your life.
Have you ever seen a mock-up designer purse? The glitz and glam are there and you can see the brand logo...BUT when you get closer and hold it in your hands...you can tell it’s not the REAL deal. It’s a fake. Today, Pastor Marks explains that Satan has created FAKE religions that worship counterfeit idols. Before the flood, God told Satan his divine plan and how Jesus would defeat him...now Satan is trying to stop that plan from happening. One of his tactics is distracting you from accepting Christ as your savior... Satan wants you to be fooled by fake religions and make sinful choices. Instead, focus on God’s word.
Revelation is often seen as a daunting book and rightly so. With all the devastation and destruction that it says is to come, that would make anyone fearful of the future. But rather than fear it, take heart and rejoice in it! If you’ve put your faith in Jesus, you already know He holds the future and you know He wins! Maybe you’re not sure if you know Jesus in an intimate way and this makes you fear what is to come. God is full of grace and if you don’t Him yet, there is still time. Don’t take this life for granted. Read His word, understand His truths and seek His face. He loves you with deep and everlasting love.
How do you face the temptations of this world when they only seem to get bigger? How do you live a pure and righteous life when the things around you seek to devour? How do you remain in Him? Pray. Pray for God to fill you with His Spirit so you can withstand all the things that seek to distract you from Him. When you pray, pray for boldness and the courage to remain steady in God’s truths. There are many things in this world that do seek to lie and devour you. But don’t let them. Don’t let them hinder you from living life eternally with the Father. Jesus didn’t die just to die. He died so you could live in His light.
It may not always seem like it, but God always has a plan. Ever since the beginning, His plan was for His children to walk with Him in the garden. To walk with Him where there was no fear, no doubt, and no shame. Sin broke that plan and hope seemed lost, but God came up with another plan to bring His children home. Jesus died so you don’t have to. His death paid for your judgment so you don’t have to face it. This is how deeply God loves you. This is how desperately He longs to bring you back to Him. Back to where there is no fear, no doubt, and no shame. But He won’t force you, you get to decide if you’ll go with Him.
It’s easy to read through the last book of the Bible and think how horrible those days will be. It’s also easy to wonder why God would allow people to suffer like that. But God doesn’t rejoice in death. He doesn’t rejoice in your pain and in your suffering. In fact, He is love and in His great love, He wants to rescue you. You don’t have to live in fear of the future because God shares with you. He doesn’t keep the last days a secret. He tells you so you know what is coming if you run from Him. It’s not that He desires destruction and separation. It’s that He desires for you to live in a place that is so much lighter than this world.
As you continue to listen to this message from Revelation, you may be wondering where you stand. Do you believe in God and all that He promises? Or do you doubt and plan to take your chances? If you’re not sure where you are today, spend some time reading the Word of God and let Truth speak to you. God could choose to judge everyone in the world today, but He doesn’t. He always gives time and opportunity for you to choose Him and He never forces you into a relationship. But knowing Him is an incredible gift and not one that should be wasted. Listener, His hands are reached out to hold you close. Will you let Him?
If the word judgment makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. The world is full of people who judge and criticize just because they can. It’s no wonder the subject of God’s judgment makes you want to hide. But God doesn’t want to bring punishment, let alone see you live apart from Him. He is for you! Throughout the Bible, it’s clear God takes His promises both personally and seriously. This means, He doesn’t make a promise and then forget about it. He doesn’t leave or forsake His children. If you’ve put your trust in the Lord, don’t let the days Revelation speaks of cause you to fear. You are a child of God!
As you continue to learn from the book of Revelation in today’s message, you may be a little uncomfortable. Talking about where your heart is may not be the easiest topic, but it’s so important. Take some time today and evaluate your heart. Is Jesus really dwelling within or does He need to be invited into your life? One of the most beautiful things about who God is is that He is full of grace. His desire is to see all people live a life by His side. And not just today, but eternally. As you continue to reflect on your own life, know it’s not too late. It’s not too late to say, “God, I need you.” It’s not too late to say, “Jesus, I believe in You.”
Did you know that who you are and what you do matters? You may think that you’re unimportant or that your impact is small, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! God made you on purpose and for a purpose. So, if you’re struggling with your worth today, remember, no detail of your life is an accident. As you continue listening to today’s message, you’ll learn that because God made you for a purpose, you have a song to sing. Your life is a story, and the biggest part of that story is sharing the love of God. Don’t let this overwhelm you, Jesus is near and is your help! So stand firm in Him and sing of His goodness!
God has written his name on your forehead because you belong to him. That means that whatever comes your way, you are secure in the power of the Father’s love. There is nothing that can take you away from him because there is no power greater than him. Nothing the world throws at you has the power to overcome you. And even when it comes to the end of the world, you are secure. You are kept safe within the hand of God. So we get to dive in today to the enemies’ plans for the end of this world, but remember as we do that God has plans of his own that are greater, stronger, and higher. The enemy can’t touch you!
In this world there are good, pure, awesome, and godly things, there is a knock-off version created by Satan. On the one hand, you have families and on the other, gangs. The fake intimacy of sleeping around rivals God’s creation of intimacy in marriage. And today we’ll discover that Satan will try to set up his own knock-off version of the trinity as a part of his effort to set himself up to be “like God.” When that day comes, we will be able to choose the real thing, or the fake, and the way we will know the difference is by spending our time with the real deal today!
Imagine a life completely free of the fear of death. That means no sickness scares you, no danger is too great and there is nothing in the world that can make you anxious or afraid. Can you picture it? What would you do with a life like that? If you had a life free of fear, would you go skydiving? Bungee jumping? Or maybe we could find a more productive way to pass the time! In a life free from fear, you could share the gospel with anyone! Would you stop there? Or would you find the scariest, darkest places and run to the hurting people stuck in them? The truth is that fear-free life is yours already, so let’s step into it!
Lies can have devastating repercussions on a person’s life. Lies have the power to destroy reputations, careers, families. There really is no end to the damage a lie can do. Isn’t it comforting to know that in the court of heaven, where the accuser comes to bring a case against us, the true judge sees through every lie! And when it comes to the truth, to the mistakes we’ve made and sins we committed, the judge’s response is a simple, profound truth that those sins are covered by the blood of the lamb. Because of this, we get to live a truly free life! Guilt and shame can fall right off of us as we move forward with Christ.
If you spend your time and energy consuming the news that is shoved down our throats in this society, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed and discouraged. Worrying over what’s happening can quickly distract you from what you should be focused on – seeking Christ and sharing His Gospel while we still have time. As Pastor Mark will encourage us in today’s message, as times get closer to Christ’s return, the world will oppress the Church and reject the Gospel more adamantly. Times will get hard for Christians, but we don’t need to be afraid – Christ is our refuge, and we can have hope and peace in His promises.
Our world is ripe for Christ’s return. The circumstances described in Revelation fit well with what we’ve seen happening in our world over the most recent decades. If you think things have been bad lately, it’s only going to get much worse. For those that love the Lord, there’s no reason for fear – He won’t let His Church suffer the tribulation that’s to come. As Pastor Mark will warn in this message, the anti-Christ is quite possibly alive right now. We can’t know for sure. It could be decades or even hundreds of years from now, but so many things have lined up with this book, it feels like the time is very close.
If an oil lamp runs out of oil, it no longer offers light. That lamp is essentially useless if that happens… It may serve as a nice decoration, but it loses its main purpose. In the same way, if we aren’t being filled with the Holy Spirit as believers, we’ll quickly lose our purpose and be nothing more than decorations in the church pews. As Pastor Mark wraps up his study of Revelation chapter 11 in this message, he’ll encourage us to be purposeful about seeking the Holy Spirit. Keep your heart open and ready for Him. Don’t pack in all the junk of this world. It may burn brightly, but it burns out quickly and leaves you empty and aimless.
Just as the Israelites lived under the oppression of slavery in Egypt, we find ourselves as captives in a foreign land as believers. We’re under siege, with our enemy attacking us at every angle. Often, his attacks are subtle, and we may not even be aware of his efforts to undermine the work of God in our hearts. As Pastor Mark will explain in today’s message, if you look at the story of the Exodus from Egypt, it offers glimpses of the horror that will come in the End Times. The judgment that the world will experience is going to be devastating, but it’s necessary to free it from the shackles that Satan has bound it in.
Contemplating the future as a believer is a bittersweet thing. We have such incredible hope knowing that Jesus is going to take us to Heaven to be with Him, but contrast that with the thought of all the people who have and will reject God as their Father. This breaks God’s heart, and it should break ours as well. The good news is that we don’t have to wallow in sorrow over the coming judgment of man. We live in the age of grace. As Pastor Mark will challenge us in this message, we need to focus our attention on loving the lost and sharing the Gospel with them. They can have the same hope you’ve found.
For most of us, it’s hard to imagine experiencing something so dire that we’d rather die than live through it. As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, that’s the level of torment that can be expected in the End Times. It’ll be so bad that people would rather just end their misery altogether – only they won’t be able to. As awful as the End of this world sounds, you don’t have to be depressed or hopeless. Jesus brought hope and redemption. He offers that to all of us. All you have to do is accept Him as your Savior, and instead of torture and eternal separation from God, you’ll be welcomed in as a son or daughter in His family.
Nobody likes the thought of Hell and the Bottomless Pit we find described in Scripture. It’s a harsh contrast to the love, grace, and compassion that characterize God. If Satan hadn’t rebelled, there’d likely be no need for Hell. Mankind wouldn’t have sinned and rejected God, and men and women would live in a relationship with Him in the Garden of Eden. That may be a nice thing to imagine, but it’s not the reality; The reality is that God made us all with free will. We can choose to accept His free gift of salvation, or as Pastor Mark will warn in this message, we can choose separation from Him for eternity.
Think of the fear that gripped us when the news about the coronavirus first started coming out. Remember the images we’ve all seen of the aftereffects of tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, and fires over the last few decades. Now, imagine all those things happening at once. The panic we experienced in the spring of 2020 was mild by comparison. While we will see things getting worse, the good news for believers is that we won’t experience the worst of it. God won’t let His Children go through that. As Pastor Mark will exhort in this message, if you don’t know the Lord already, don’t put it off any longer.
Our God is creative by nature – He’s The Creator. Destruction is not His preferred operation. But as Scripture makes clear, there are times when the only way to restore is to first destroy. Think about Babel. Men tried to build something that would bring themselves closer to God, and the only way to fix the problem they created was for God to destroy it and disperse the people. Before things can be made right and this earth can be made new, things are going to get really bad. God doesn’t take pleasure in this destruction, but in His wisdom He knows that this is the path sin has taken us, and He has a plan for redemption.
We don’t like to be disciplined. If you had loving parents who disciplined through spanking, you likely don’t look back fondly on that painful experience, but you can look back and understand why they did it. It wasn’t because they were angry and didn’t like you. It was because they cared deeply for you and didn’t want to see you continue in your destructive behavior. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will draw our attention to the disciplinary methods of our Heavenly Father. Whenever we experience God’s judgment in any form, our initial reaction may be to see Him as a cruel God, but He carries out just judgment because He cares deeply for man.
God gives His Children a spiritual insight that this world lacks. Through His Word, He has warned us of the tactics that the enemy will use to fool people. Lately, reading the headlines can feel like reading straight out of the book of Revelation, but the world will call you crazy if you try to point that out. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, the signs of the times are undeniable. The stage is set for a one-world government and digital tracking that could easily morph into a mark of the Beast. It’s time for us to get serious about reaching the lost for Jesus.
None of us like to hear about the tribulation that will occur in the End Times. Events such as the pandemic or even the world wars of the last century seem mild by comparison. Billions will die in horrific ways. It’s going to be really bad. In light of these drastic measures, is God really a loving God? In this message, Pastor Mark will explain that, while it may be hard to grasp, the judgments of God are a byproduct of His love, grace, and justice. He has given free will, and His judgment is a way for Him to open our eyes to our need for Him. In the End Times, the extreme hardships will bring many into a relationship with Christ.
When the Antichrist comes, even many Christians may have to take a closer look before realizing who he is. He isn’t going to be reviled in our world. He won’t seem evil. Many people might see him as an answer to prayer. He’ll come at a time when we’re all desperate and looking for someone to unite and save mankind. As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, while the coronavirus pandemic may not have been a specific fulfillment of End Times prophecy, it has brought our world much closer to the conditions necessary for the mark of the Beast to be welcomed under the guise of safety and convenience.
This life can feel so defeating. We are all confronted with broken relationships, an aging body, the loss of loved ones, and personal failures, along with many other trials. Those things are inevitable, and apart from a bigger purpose, you’ll find yourself questioning why things happen this way. In this message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to hold on to the hope that is only found in Christ. As bad as things are, He is going to make it right for those who love and follow Him. Sometimes that restoration happens in this life, but if not, you can have confidence that it will come in eternity.
If you knew you were going to meet the president, a king, or some other world leader, would you take to social media the day before, bashing them and questioning their position? For most of us, the easy answer is no. Whether you like them or not, you would at least respect their position and opt to keep your negative opinion to yourself. Jesus – the Son of God and the one who rules this world and the entire universe – will be returning soon. It could happen any day now. Yet, how many people are outright rejecting Him? As Pastor Mark will warn in this teaching, His return is imminent, and it would be wise for all of us to be ready.
In this message, Pastor Mark will draw our attention to the Throne Room of God as described in the book of Revelation. One of the things we can expect is to hear everyone who stands there in God’s presence proclaiming that God is Holy. It’ll be said over and over again, emphasizing just how holy He is. He’s perfect in every way, void of any injustice and full of grace and love. God’s holiness is one of the aspects that sets Him apart from the gods of men. He doesn’t need to water it down to make Himself more approachable. He made a way through Jesus for us to become like Him, not for Him to become more like us.
Worship should completely revolve around the One we’re worshipping. Many of us get distracted by the superficial elements of it. If the songs are old and boring, we can’t worship. Or maybe if the songs are too loud, it’s obnoxious and we can’t worship. Whether or not it’s your style of music or if the lights and visuals fit your taste shouldn’t matter. You’re welcome to have a preference, but ultimately, the glorification of Jesus is all that matters. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will encourage us to shift our focus away from those temporary things, and train our hearts to focus on Jesus, bringing Him glory through whatever gifts He’s given us.
Where do you devote the majority of your energy? Is it in your career? Your family? Your hobbies? As Pastor Mark will clarify in this message, it’s possible to be saved but not live as a disciple of Jesus. Being a disciple requires your ambition and resources. It takes sacrifice and time as you pursue Jesus’ calling on your life. For many of us, we may only dedicate Sunday morning to God. While that’s an important part of our faith journey, we’re missing out on so much if that’s all we’re doing. God wants us to walk in the abundance of His Holy Spirit every moment of every day.
Not all cultural trends are harmful. Our God is our Creator, and that creative nature is reflected in us. Because of that, we’re going to write new songs and come up with new styles and ways to worship and serve Him. That’s a beautiful thing. New understandings, when guided by the Holy Spirit, can bring new life and breath into His Church. Not all change is a bad thing. As Pastor Mark will warn in today’s message, while we shouldn’t be afraid of change, we need to be sure that the change lines up with the Word of God and isn’t just the latest trend in popular culture.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is like a two-edged sword. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, one edge of that sword cuts away the chains of sin and death, freeing people and bringing them into God’s family. It brings life. The other side cuts people away from the grace they’ve been offered, bringing death. God sent Jesus with the desire to save all of mankind. He would love to restore all of us to perfection. But, because He knows the selfishness that rules our hearts, He knows that some are going to reject His invitation. Sadly, those people are choosing their own eternal separation from Him. They’re choosing death.
The size of a church doesn’t always correlate to their health as the body of Christ. There are churches that are huge - they’re bringing in thousands of people, they’re putting on exciting services and maybe even making a positive difference in their community, but their hearts aren’t growing closer to Jesus. As Pastor Mark examines this passage, he’ll examine four of the seven churches that Jesus addresses in John’s vision. They were His Churches. He loved them dearly, just as He loves every church today, even those who have allowed false prophecy in. Because of that love, He brings truth to them, even when it hurts.
Our God is a perfect Father. In His wisdom, He knows exactly what His children need. As much as He hates sin, He loves us far more. It’s because of that love that He hates sin with such intensity. He knows it destroys us and wants to restore us back to His original design, free from oppression. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will draw our attention to the gracious way that God reacts to our failures. Sometimes, He allows natural consequences for us to learn from them. Other times –more often than not – He spares us from what we really deserve, demonstrating His grace and love to draw us into Himself.
Do you ever feel that if only things would get easier--if only I was more financially stable or my family life was better or if I had a better boss-- then I could really thrive in my faith and focus on getting to know God and doing great things for Him. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will begin a study of the book of Revelation. Was John on a life-giving, peace-filled retreat on the coast when he wrote this? Was he in the midst of great career success? No! He had been exiled to the isle of Patmos after being boiled alive. Things were bad. But in those circumstances, God gave him one of his most meaningful visions.
Jesus alone can bring the peace and contentment that so many are seeking through wealth and political power. Just like the Israelites before God put King Saul in place, we often desire a king. We want a person to thank for our success or blame for our failures. Many want the government to do what they are ultimately responsible for. As Pastor Mark continues our study of 2nd Thessalonians in this teaching, he’ll remind us of our need to put God at the head of every element of our lives. Don’t look to governments, jobs, wealth, or even relationships for your purpose and life. Look first to Him and let Him rule in those other areas.
The Church has always been good at making up rules as they go. It’s a tendency for all people. We all want to have control, even over others sometimes. Rules about what you can or can’t wear in church or what type of worship is played aren’t necessarily bad, but all too often, we equate manmade rules with the commandments found in Scripture. As Pastor Mark will point out in this message, Paul encountered this in the Church of his day. Many drew from the old, manmade rules of Judaism, while others came up with new ones, but Paul reminded them that God’s Word alone should determine how we live.
There’s a storm coming. For years now, the waves have been increasingly violent as the headwinds warn of what’s to come. Just like modern satellites warn us of coming storms, God gave us the Bible in part as a warning of what’s to come for this world. It’s not meant to bring hopeless fear but to inspire hope and motivate believers and nonbelievers to action. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will challenge us to stand fast in our faith. If you haven’t found that faith, don’t put it off any longer. The storm that’s building on the horizon for mankind is not one you can withstand on your own – you need Jesus to carry you from it.
Do you remember the beginning of COVID? When things started shutting down, stores were selling out of essentials and people were afraid to leave their houses? It felt very much like it could be the beginning of the end. None of us had ever experienced that, and it was a major shock. Fast-forward to now– would you feel the same shock if the same regulations and social behaviors were repeated? As Pastor Mark will point out in this message, whether intentional or not, many of the decisions made during the pandemic have helped prepare the world for the prophecies of Scripture.
Love is much more powerful than fear, but both are effective motivators. As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, there are some who will repent and accept Christ largely because they’re afraid of the consequences if they don’t. These people tend to lack the fullness of joy that God desires for them in this life. God’s love is incredible. While all of us should have a fear of Hell, we can have a far greater hope in the love that God freely offers and His promise that we’ll spend eternity with Him.
Our culture has been very effective at desensitizing us to the vile and extreme wickedness of Satan. We have TV shows that humanize or minimize him greatly. They paint him as a misunderstood, harmless myth, not as the raging, scheming, hate-filled beast that he is. As Pastor Mark will illustrate in this message, our enemy is wreaking havoc in our world right now, but what we’ve seen is just a small taste of what he’s capable of. Scripture tells us that Satan is currently being restrained, and when God releases him before casting him into Hell, the world will see his full depravity.
In this teaching, Pastor Mark will continue talking about Hell. It’s not a fun subject, but it’s essential for us to understand as believers. It’s what we’ve been saved from, and it’s our calling to save others from it. Through the years, many have approached this by trying to instill fear, but an even more effective tool for reaching the lost should be the glimpse of Heaven they see in our hearts. The Kingdom of God begins to take hold in our hearts as soon as we accept Christ. And that’s really all it takes. You simply have to accept Him as your Savior - He takes it from there, beginning the transformation that only ends when you stand before Him in eternity.
All of us would rather that Hell didn’t exist. Especially God. He built it out of necessity to deal with the enemy of all mankind –Satan. He hates what Satan has done to His precious creation, and He’s designed Hell to administer justice and keep this wicked beast away from those who accept Christ’s gift of salvation. In this message, Pastor Mark will address the subject of Hell. It’s a fearful thought to imagine an eternity of torment and separation from God. It’s not what God wants. But sadly, there are those who will choose to reject Christ, and He won’t force His salvation on them, as much as He may want to.
Where does your ultimate loyalty lie? Is it with your political party? Is it with the Church? For far too long, the Church has allowed outside parties and causes to drive how we approach politics in our nation. These political movements are usually motivated by things other than the cause of Christ and will never fully conform to the heart of God’s Kingdom. In this message, Pastor Mark will challenge us to stand for Christ. His cause – His glory and the sharing of His Gospel – should be at the center of our focus. If any other cause or movement is pulling us away, it has become an idol.
The comfort and freedom we enjoy as Christians in our nation are a blessing – but they have had a negative side effect for many. Our enemy may still try to threaten these freedoms, but being as clever as he is, he has also turned them into a weapon for his purposes. He has lulled many believers into a state of sleepiness, and many of us hold tighter to our comforts than we do our faith. This good thing we have in our country can’t last forever. And, as Pastor Mark will propose in this message, we may see our freedoms taken away sooner than later. What will you do when that happens? Are you willing to give it all for Christ?
Think about the amazing stories of God’s providence and intervention found in Scripture. For the most part, those events rarely happened in the midst of times of peace, prosperity, and stability. When we’re blessed with those things, we should be grateful and take advantage of the chance to glorify God for His goodness, but it’s often in the hardest times that we experience His greatest work. As Pastor Mark will point out in this message, trials are an opportunity to realize your own weakness and vulnerability. In that state, you’re ready for God to come in and work, revealing His power and love.
The size of a church is not directly connected to God’s favor. You can have a massive church that is doing next to nothing for the Kingdom of God, while the tiny church next door is making a huge impact with few resources. The truth of God has a much deeper impact than any clever program, fog machines, lasers, or loud music. It’s not that those things can’t be used in worshipping God, but ultimately, the focus should be on worshipping Him. Let’s be open to Him, letting Him work in a way that transcends human methods.
There are times for direct, bold confrontation, but generally, that should only happen between close friends and family because they know love motivates it. Usually, when you see a fellow brother or sister in Christ struggling, telling them to put on a brave face is only going to push them further into despair. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will encourage us to offer comfort and encouragement, even in the midst of holding each other accountable.
God is much better at recognizing and assigning leaders than we are. He’s the one who bestows that calling after all. As Pastor Mark clarifies in this teaching, we need to recognize this and be purposeful about who we place in leadership within the body of Christ. As we all know, the ultimate authority is God, and He administers His leadership through the Holy Spirit and Scripture. Below Him, you’ll find pastors and elders within the Church who have been chosen by God to serve. We should respect and submit to them, not because they are better than any other member of the church, but because they are called by Him.
It is time for us to wake up as followers of Jesus. Too many of us are in an in-between state, basically sleepwalking through our spiritual walk. We need to be alert and pursuing the Lord diligently. The Scripture tells us to be watchful and to pray without ceasing. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will try to snap us out of a spiritual daze.
God knows the hearts of man, and He has immeasurable compassion and grace for us. Still, knowing our hearts and the future, He also has the knowledge of who will reject Him to the end. He doesn’t force anyone to choose Him. He will give people over to their desires and the consequences that follow. As Pastor Mark will clarify in this teaching, many may question why God allows anyone to go into eternal separation from Him in His, but it isn’t His choice, it’s theirs.
Naturally, we focus on our own perspective when we think about rapture and meeting Jesus face to face. Unless you’ve experienced a rare vision of His face, most of us have not seen the Savior we’ve placed so much faith in. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, if you’re filled with longing for Jesus, you can be certain that His longing for us is greater than anything we can feel in our limited capacity.
Naturally, we focus on our own perspective when we think about rapture and meeting Jesus face to face. Unless you’ve experienced a rare vision of His face, most of us have not seen the Savior we’ve placed so much faith in. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, if you’re filled with longing for Jesus, you can be certain that His longing for us is greater than anything we can feel in our limited capacity.
In so many ways, our culture has desensitized us to sin—especially when it comes to sex. You could survey many Christians and get a wide variety of answers on what God is okay with as far sexuality goes. It’s not that this isn’t a complex issue, but God designed us, and His Word should be the final word on how we approach this matter.
Sin is a big deal. It’s much more destructive than we may like to acknowledge. If you’ve ever been caught up in it—as all of us have been—you know how hard it can be to leave that sin behind. Some sins are more subtle and easier to look over, but as we’ll be challenged in this teaching, we need to take a hardline stance again ANY sin that persists in our lives.
God never said that His children shouldn’t have fun. All too often, our time with Him—whether at church or in private prayer time—is more like a funeral or confessional more than a celebration of who He is. God created joy and equipped us to experience pleasure, and by partaking, we can bring Him glory and reflect His love.
Sometimes as believers we look at non-believers with unrealistic expectations. We expect them to abide by the same life-giving laws that we follow and may even get angry when they don’t. As Pastor Mark will stress in this message, you have to be sure that you stand against actions, not persons when it comes to taking a stand against wickedness. Remember, they haven’t been transformed by Jesus yet, and until they are, their sinful nature will rule their hearts.
Are you in love with Jesus? He’s full of grace and mercy and when we simply trust Him, He secures us for eternity. So, if we’re secure, why not just live however we want and enjoy the pleasures of this world? Why should we dedicate ourselves to serving Him and reaching others? As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, our obedience and righteousness should be completely motivated by our love of Jesus. Just like a bride waiting for her groom, we should focus our thoughts on Him and no others, preparing ourselves for His return.
As we continue to study Paul’s letter to the believers in Thessalonica, we’ll see Paul express the way they encouraged him in his faith. We may not think of Paul or the other early Church leaders as needing help from those they led, but they absolutely did. They were human, just like us, and they needed others to push them closer to God.
It’s uplifting to talk about the power of God—and it should be—but oftentimes, when we ask for His power, it is in the context of overcoming the enemy in some dramatic way. He does provide that kind of power, but He also empowers us to endure the sufferings that come from following Him. It may not be something we look
The Western Church has misplaced expectations in regards to the society around us. We get easily offended when we experience the most minor persecution. We’ve enjoyed religious freedom in our country, but the trend in this fallen world is always going to be towards rejecting and oppressing true followers of Christ. We need to remember that our ultimate mission is to reach the lost for Christ through love, regardless of their treatment of us.
Our country, as well as many others, has a shameful history of sin against God in the form of slavery and the general oppression of people of color. Through the fiery trial of civil war as well as through the brave leadership and sacrifice of those who stood up for civil rights throughout the years, we’ve made a lot of progress. Our nation moved towards honoring God through justice, and in this teaching, Pastor Mark will remind us that when we repent of a sin, God will forgive us.
I’m sure you’ve heard it said that “History is written by the victors.” This well-known quote implies that history, as we know it, is biased against groups that were conquered or defeated. While this is true in many cases, the history found in the Bible defies this characteristic. Through supernatural guidance, the authors of this In John chapter 13, Jesus challenged His disciples with this: “They will know you are my disciples if you love one another.” Are good works important? Yes! What about avoiding sin? Of course! But what does Jesus say will distinguish us from the rest of the world? Our love for one another.
I’m sure you’ve heard it said that “History is written by the victors.” This well-known quote implies that history, as we know it, is biased against groups that were conquered or defeated. While this is true in many cases, the history found in the Bible defies this characteristic. Through supernatural guidance, the authors of this In John chapter 13, Jesus challenged His disciples with this: “They will know you are my disciples if you love one another.” Are good works important? Yes! What about avoiding sin? Of course! But what does Jesus say will distinguish us from the rest of the world? Our love for one another.
From the very beginning, Satan has brought God’s Word into question in order to cause humans to stumble. He did this with Adam and Eve in the Garden. Of course, they didn’t have the Bible as we know it; they had been given instructions directly by God--hearing His voice – and even still, Satan was able to introduce enough doubt to lead them into sin. God’s Word is under attack today. It’s written off as ancient lore with some historical relevance, but nothing more. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will remind us of the steadfast truth contained in this book. Every word it contains was inspired by God, and trusting it is crucial to living a God-honoring life.
Almost all of us will have some kind of leadership role in our lives. Being a follower of Christ brings a whole new weight to that role. Not only do you need to be concerned with the well-being of those you lead, but you need to be mindful of how your behavior reflects Jesus. As Pastor Mark will clarify in this teaching, you can’t expect perfection of yourself or any leader, but you should expect authenticity and honesty. When you do stumble, don’t be afraid to admit it and seek help; that could be one of the greatest lessons you teach.
All of us have basic needs, including pastors. Many people tend to feel resistant when a pastor starts talking about money. Some of this comes from very real and shameful stories of pastors and spiritual leaders extorting people, using their position to con congregations. The majority of God-loving, people-serving pastors are not in that boat. Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching that even Paul had to be careful how he dealt with money issues. He was truly living by faith, traveling through villages and towns, not knowing for sure where his next meal was going to come from, but he embraced that hardship for the sake of bringing the Gospel to the lost.
Some pastors and leaders rely on charisma and charm to attract crowds. Their ministries can look incredibly successful as droves of people enter the doors every weekend and buildings and programs expand. That’s a very shallow measure of success, and while you can call it that in worldly terms, it’s not necessarily a success for the Kingdom of God. As Pastor Mark will point out in this message, people will be drawn in by godly leadership, but the results and effects it bears in a community will look much different. You’ll see lives changed and priorities shifted, not just fancy church buildings and flashy worship services.
Being a godly leader will require hard conversations. It’s inevitable. The goal should never be to offend, but we can’t avoid conversations just out of fear. A leader must be able to apply God’s Word and address someone in accordance with it. If God inspired it to be written down in His Word, it’s important to Him and should be important to us. As Pastor Mark will challenge us in this message, don’t navigate towards a leadership style that’s afraid of confrontation, but towards a leadership style that lovingly confronts problems in order to strengthen people.
We’ve all heard of leaders falling to corruption of one sort or another. Sadly, it’s all too common. Leadership is a great responsibility with a lot of pressure. For those of us who aren’t in those high positions, we may look at leadership as glamorous and appealing, but the truth is, godly leadership involves servanthood, not glamour. Christ demonstrated that kind of servant leadership perfectly. Being the most powerful being in the universe, He was willing to lower Himself down in extreme humility.
If you’re in Christ, you don’t have to worry about the future. Not only will He provide for you and your needs here and now, but in terms of the End Times, He has a plan for you. God loves you and if you’re part of His family, He won’t let you endure the extreme hardship that this world will experience. You may find yourself feeling like you’re already living through the tribulation but take heart, the Holy Spirit can comfort you and bring you through. As bad as it may be, it’s nothing compared to the tribulation we’re warned of in Scripture, and God won’t let His Church endure that.
Some dogs have patience because they’ve learned to trust their owner to give them a reward for good behavior. Others will go out seeking treats on their own, maybe in the trashcan, or under the table. Ultimately, they may get what they want, but they’ll likely make a mess and get themselves in trouble. As Pastor Mark illustrated, God wants us to be patient and attentive to Him. We can have confidence that He’ll reward us. Don’t waste your energy and resources seeking out that reward in this life. Just like the dogs, you’re only going to end up making a mess and regretting your decisions.
We are so good at complaining. Think back over the last year and the decisions that have been made for you – like wearing a mask, being forced to homeschool your children, or staying home so much of the time. We’ve gotten used to many of these things, but even as restrictions lift, we easily find new sources of strife to fill our conversations and social media posts. Our lives should look different as believers. As Pastor Mark will point out in today’s message, it’s not that we need to seek out suffering or persecution, but when it inevitably comes, we can face it with joy through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The pandemic has brought out the worst in many of us. Instead of it being a time of uniting around a common purpose, it became an extremely politically charged matter. People have grown more and more divided over even the smallest issues, allowing hatred to grow in their hearts towards anyone that sees things differently than them. Pastor Mark challenges us as believers to be beacons of peace and hope to the world. We don’t need to pick fights over petty issues, but instead, we need to focus our energy on sharing the love of Christ.
Many churches have established a culture of perceived perfection. If you want to come in, you need to look the part. Often this involves the clothes you wear - for men, if you don’t have a suit jacket and tie or for the ladies, a dress, then you’ll stand out like a sore thumb. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with dressing up, but this can be harmful in the church when it creates an environment that makes the broken feel unwelcome. As Pastor Mark will explain in this message, one of the Church’s chief functions is to be a spiritual hospital or shelter for those who have been beaten up by sin and are in need of help.
Pastors are part of God’s design for His Church. He leads men to dedicate their lives to caring for and shepherding other believers, on top of sharing the Gospel with those who are lost. But sometimes we put way too much of our own responsibility as believers on the shoulders of these servants. As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, the Church in Thessalonica was doing very well when Paul wrote them this letter and all without a pastor in place. It wasn’t the absence of a pastor that enabled them to do so well, it was the presence of the Holy Spirit in their midst and their submission to Him.
Is your life characterized by hope and calm or by fear and bitterness? Those attitudes come from two very different sources. What does it tell the world about Christ when you claim to have faith in Him, but at the same time you’re moping around or acting out in anger because you’re afraid of what’s to come? Pastor Mark will remind us that in Christ we have no reason to fear anything. Even death itself is not a real threat. It’s not that we enjoy illness, persecution, or loss, but the hope we have in our eternal Savior can outweigh the burdens this world constantly tries to heap on our shoulders.
Most of us wouldn’t look back over the pandemic as a time of “soaring to new heights.” Especially in the early days, when so much was unknown and we weren’t supposed to even leave our houses, many people found themselves at an all-time low – filled with fear, anxiety, and frustration. In this message, Pastor Mark will challenge us to take on a different perspective. As followers of Christ, we can look at every trial and challenge as an opportunity to lean into God and grow in patience and faith. He alone can offer us lasting peace and joy as we face the storms that this life throws at us.
With more than a year of living during a pandemic behind us, most of us could say we’ve learned some things. Many of the big changes it brought about in our lives have taken on a kind of normalcy, but do you remember what a shock they were to your system and way of life? Many of us didn’t know what to do with all of the change – it was overwhelming. Today, Pastor Mark will encourage us to see all of the change we’ve experienced as an opportunity. Even as we settle back into our new routines and things get a little closer to normal, be careful not to let yourself become complacent in your faith.
Thessalonica was a thriving city in Paul’s day. It would have been an epicenter of technology, trade, religious and ethnic diversity, and of course, you could find all manners of sin in this city. As Pastor Mark will point out in this message, the Thessalonians who came to faith in Christ embraced this new religion and the hope and joy it brought, but they were resistant to the laws and wanted to cling to some of their old practices. In this letter, Paul persistently reminds the believers that Jesus would be returning soon – any minute – and that it was vital that they live righteous lives with purpose and conviction.
The amount of persecution we face for being Christians in our culture is minimal. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t facing pressure to compromise. We are often pressured to look past certain sins or ignore a few select parts of Scripture that don’t seem to align with modern science. If we do that, then we can love Jesus – as long as that Jesus fits the box they’ve created. In this message, Pastor Mark will challenge us to stand firm in our faith. You don’t have to shove anything down anyone’s throat, but when they ask you if you really believe those things about the Bible – don’t be afraid to stand up and say yes.
There are a lot of burdens you’ll face in this life that you can handle alone—just between you and God. You can strive and work and slowly make progress. With God’s help, you can get through by yourself, but as Pastor Mark will ask in today’s message, why should you? If it’s all about proving yourself, you’re going to burn out and likely find yourself sliding back under the burden. God gave us the Holy Spirit as a comforter and helper as we face the struggles this world throws at us. And He gave us brothers and sisters in the faith. They can pray for you; They can keep you accountable and make you stronger. Don’t waste that amazing gift.
Can you think of anything in your life that has been a burden? I’m sure we all can. Many of our burdens we have been born into. The heaviest of them is sin. It’s a weight that will drag us into eternal despair if we don’t do anything about it. As Pastor Mark will remind us in this message, Jesus has offered us relief from those burdens. Oftentimes, even after we ask Jesus to save us, we still hang on to those remnants of our sinful nature. It’s a matter of stubborn pride, a desire for momentary pleasure, or it may simply be habitual. Whatever the underlying issue is, Jesus wants to remove that burden entirely.
If you had never stepped into a church or had a conversation with a believer, some of the terms and phrases used could be confusing. Christians might even sound like a violent bunch, with all the talk of crucifixion and sacrifices. Well, don’t worry – we’re not planning on hurting anyone or anything – we’re referring to a state of the heart. As Pastor Mark will explain in today’s message, to find freedom in Christ, there’s a part of each of us that has to go away – it needs to die, as He did on the cross. When He died, He carried the weight of those burdens of guilt we carry in our hearts; we just have to accept what He did.
There’s been a tendency among parts of the church to blame personal sin on forces outside of our control. Some point to chemical or psychological imbalances. Others point to demons as forcing them into actions and attitudes they don’t want. While there are sometimes psychological issues at play, in general, sin is a personal choice, and the responsibility for it lies squarely on our shoulders. Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching that resisting sin starts in your heart. If you determine to faithfully serve God, who has saved you by grace, He will equip you. It’s not that you’ll never fall, but it shouldn’t be a routine part of life.
What have you been choosing today? To serve self or to serve God? It’s a daily decision. Many days, it can even be a moment-by-moment battle. This battle is easily lost if you depend on your own strength. But, when you lean into God and open yourself to the filling of the Spirit, He can empower you to be victorious. As Pastor Mark continues our study in the book of Galatians, he’ll challenge us to choose God in our daily lives. You have to get practical about it. Maybe it means putting up reminders in your home or workspace, or you may need an accountability partner. Whatever it takes – be purposeful about it.
Love goes far beyond feelings. Our world equates love to that feeling of pleasure you get when you look at someone you find attractive and who is attracted to you. It centers around what that relationship does for you. That’s not real love. Real love serves others, even when you get nothing in return. In this world, you’re going to have to choose to love. It’s not going to come naturally, but it’s what you’re called to as a follower of Christ. As Pastor Mark will challenge us in this message, we must commit ourselves to loving others, even when it doesn’t feel good or serve our purposes. That’s when Christ will be seen most clearly in us.
The Law doesn’t have grace built into it. As Pastor Mark will illustrate in this message, if you roll through a stop sign, even if you almost stop, you’ve still broken the law. If you drive 56 in a 55 mile per hour zone – you’ve broken the law. If the police weren’t human, they would fine you on the technicality. With God’s Law, we’re judged on a heart level. That makes it impossible to be righteous – according to the Law, at least. That’s why we need Christ. He has provided the only way for us to be righteous. He alone was able to perfectly follow the Law as God intended, and then He gave Himself to take the punishment for our failures.
If you found out tomorrow that you were the long-lost first child of the Queen of England or one of the world’s richest people – Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos for example—you would suddenly find yourself as an heir to great power and wealth. As incredible as that would be, each one of us is invited to become heirs in a Kingdom that’s far greater than the greatest kingdoms of earth. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, all that’s required to become a part of God’s family – to be embraced as a child of the Creator of the Universe –is to surrender your life to Jesus. In that instant, you become a beloved Child of God.
We often get comfortable in our spiritual slavery. It’s hard to imagine any person choosing to remain in slavery when offered a way out, but freedom also bears new responsibilities, and that can be intimidating. In a spiritual sense, we may desire to be free, but we know that accepting Christ’s offer of salvation will come with its own costs. Even for many of us who are saved, we have an inclination to go back to the bondage that we’ve been freed from. Much like the Israelites wandering in the desert, we miss the fleeting pleasure we knew and lack the stamina and patience to wait on God’s promises.
Throughout the centuries, people have fashioned their own forms of Jesus in order to accommodate their needs. We all desire a Savior – God’s placed that desire in our hearts – but if the one true Jesus doesn’t fit the mold that we prefer, we have a tendency to go looking for a version of Him that will. Many religions and denominations have been formed as a result of this prideful desire. If you really want eternal salvation and freedom right here and now, there is only one source of it. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, the true Son of God who died on the cross to pay for your sin is the only one who can provide that salvation.
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your Savior and submitted to Him, you’re chained to sin. Whether you’re aware of it or not, in your disobedience, you’re serving the enemy of God. The incredible news of the Gospel is that you don’t have to stay in that slavery. When Christ opens your eyes to your need for Him, you’ll find that He requires nothing of you but faith. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will encourage you to make that decision and find the peace and assurance that Christ will give.
Whether it’s music styles, hat-wearing, dress codes, or other various church traditions, it’s important not to equate our manmade customs with God’s Laws. Today, Pastor Mark will point out some of the ways we cling to legalism in the modern Church. We have been made free in Christ. That doesn’t mean you can just go on doing whatever you want to do. If He’s transforming your heart – you won’t want to. But, you are free from trying to earn your righteousness through following specific rules – instead, you’ll want to live in a way that glorifies God out of gratitude for the righteousness He’s given you.
We have this built-in tendency as humans to cling to any sense of control we have in our lives. Even when we become aware of our sinfulness, instead of realizing the gap between us and God is too big, we try our hardest to find ways to cross it on our own. As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, there is no way for us to achieve righteousness by our own power and means. We may find ourselves trying and trying and trying, but ultimately, our hearts are wicked, and only by placing our trust fully in Jesus can we be made right with God. This trust is something that needs constantly renewed – legalism can easily sneak back in.
When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you become a brother or sister in His family. God becomes your Father, and you are given all the rights to the inheritance of His infinite wealth of grace, love, and freedom. You are no longer bound by the chains of slavery to your sinfulness. As Pastor Mark will illustrate in this message, the level of hospitality you’ll find in God’s family is beyond comprehension. You are welcomed with warmth and care and invited to be adopted. You don’t have to clean yourself up to come in. God offers you righteousness and freedom through Christ at any time if you will just accept His gift.
Think about your childhood. You had rules to follow; you had to be in bed by a certain time. Most likely, you weren’t allowed to do whatever you wanted. When you grew up, those restraints were lifted. You can go to bed whenever you want. You can do just about anything, as long as it doesn’t break the law. But, if you have wisdom, you’ll choose restraint as an adult, because it’s what’s best for you. Today, Pastor Mark will point out how it’s often the spiritually immature who need rules and regulations. When you mature in Christ, you choose to follow the Law to honor God and because you know it’s better for you.
The Law isn’t as much a guide for how to live as it is a revelation of how all of us are living wrong. On its own, it presents a great burden of guilt. It reveals just how far we are from God. The chasm between us is too far to span, but the beauty of the Gospel is that God made a way where there was no way. God gave the Law to reveal our wickedness, but He gave Christ to forgive and remove that evil from our hearts. Once He does that, as Pastor Mark will explain in this message, He empowers you for a life that follows the Law. You’ll still stumble, but your heart will shift towards honoring God with your actions.
If we can’t live by the Law in a way that pleases God and the only way to obtain righteousness is through Christ, then why even have the Law? Should we just do away with it? There have been those who would say “yes,” while there are others who stress the importance of the law in the life of a believer. As Pastor Mark explores these two seemingly contradictory approaches to faith, he’ll draw out some crucial guidance from Paul’s words to the Galatian believers. The law does matter but not in securing your salvation. It shows you your need for Christ, while also guiding you towards what He desires to form you into.
The consequences of sin are dismal. That word doesn’t even begin to cover the agony that can be expected throughout eternal separation from God and His grace. You may not realize just how much His grace does for you in this life, even before salvation, but an existence without it would be unbearable. As completely awful as hell sounds, the alternative is even more indescribable in the joy and pleasure it contains. And it’s not something that’s out of reach. All you have to do is trust in Christ for salvation and He’ll make you worthy in God’s sight. It’s really that simple – don’t miss the opportunity He’s given you.
You can try to live by the Law and earn your way to Heaven –many people have – but just like all of them, you will fail. You have sin in your heart, and no matter how well you follow the law, your heart can’t be made clean enough to be worthy of God’s presence. There’s only one way for that to happen. In today’s message, as Pastor Mark continues our study of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we’ll be reminded of our sinful nature and the hopeless state we’re born into. From the standpoint of the Law, it’s hopeless, but God didn’t leave it that way – He sent Jesus to offer redemption to those who simply trust in Him.
Have you ever felt bitterness or doubt towards God because He hasn’t answered a specific prayer? Maybe it was a prayer for healing for yourself or a loved one. Why doesn’t God answer those prayers every time? The truth is, we can’t know. Sometimes He’ll make it clear in hindsight, but sometimes we have to wait till heaven to find out. As Pastor Mark will explain in today’s message, God’s ways are often beyond our understanding. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask. Just be sure that you submit your heart to His wisdom and understand that the answer may look different than you hope.
Why did Jesus humble Himself by taking on human flesh and living a sinless life of selfless ministry just so He could die for us? Did He do that so that you could pour yourself into trying to earn your salvation through the Law? God gave us the Law to show us our need for Him. As soon as we chose rebellion, He knew we could never measure up on our own. As Pastor Mark will explain in today’s message, He sent Jesus to stand in that gap and cover us in His righteousness.
You cannot do anything to satisfy the requirements necessary for entering heaven and having intimacy with God. He is perfect, and even the most righteous person still will have sin in their heart on some level. Of course, most of us likely don’t think of ourselves as very righteous. We are more likely to look at ourselves as being too wicked for God, and that’s true. On our own, we are. But, as we’ll be reminded in today’s message from Pastor Mark, we’re made righteous through Christ – not through any good works we can achieve.
The Bible CLEARLY states that there’s no way to Heaven except through Jesus. Period. Nothing in the law can save you, and that means that nothing you do or don’t do will save you! In this teaching, Pastor Mark will be reminding you that the reason Jesus came was to save us. He didn’t have to – we could have kept right on trying to do our best and follow Biblical law. But God didn’t want that. He wants a relationship with you! And that’s why He sent His Son – He sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Are you ready to accept this and stop trying to do it all on your own? You can right now – it’s the perfect time!
While we’d like to think we have the power to get to Heaven, that simply isn’t true. Jesus even talked about it in His time on earth– the only way to get to the Father is THROUGH Jesus! Sounds great to say that, right? But are you following through with that statement and actually living like Jesus has rescued you? As you’ll learn from Pastor Mark in this teaching, the law is no guarantee for Salvation. Following it honors God, but that shouldn’t be where you put your hope for Salvation.
There’s a common misconception regarding confrontation that causes many to see withholding a correction or rebuke as more loving than giving it. Sometimes, even when you know you need to say something, the fear of conflict prevents you from addressing the issue. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will challenge us to be honest and upfront with those we love when we see them engaging in behaviors that we know go against God’s Word. Sometimes, God has put you in that person’s life to offer that rod of guidance and correction, in order to demonstrate God’s love through His correction.
There are many things we fight over in the Church that just aren’t worth the time, effort, or broken relationships – but when it comes to the essentials, it’s worth the fight. It takes discernment to identify what falls into that category, but ultimately, we should operate under the guidance of God’s grace. Fighting over an issue should not automatically mean fighting against an individual. As Pastor Mark will stress in this teaching, it’s crucial that each and every believer faithfully studies the Word of God and seeks truth through the Holy Spirit in order to navigate confusing and controversial beliefs.
We’re very fortunate to have the right to speak our faith freely without any legal consequence in our country. You may experience ridicule, and in some cases, standing up for the truth of Christ could cost you a job or position, but we don’t have to fear arrest or death as a result of sharing our faith. While it’s hard for us to fathom the amount of pressure that Christian martyrs have faced through the years, it’s important for us to weigh that cost. If it came down to it, would you be willing to give your life for the sake of sharing the Gospel? It’s something we should all aspire to as devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
We spend far too much of our energy and resources on trying to get the approval and favor of other people. Not only does it cost us emotionally and financially, but it also costs us spiritually. As Pastor Mark will remind us in this message, there’s only one place we should be looking for that approval. It’s infinitely more valuable to have God’s approval than that of men. Sadly, you likely find yourself compromising on what you know pleases God in order to look good to your peers. Instead of focusing on those horizontal relationships, your focus needs to shift to the one who loves you and redeems your soul for eternity.
You can get saved anywhere at any time. The same is true of baptism – though it’s helpful to have some water nearby. Baptism is expected of Christians, but there are some misunderstandings of this sacrament that Pastor Mark will clear up in this teaching. God won’t check for Baptism certificates as you go through the pearly gates; That’s not what it’s all about. Baptism is intended to push you deeper in your relationship with Him. There’s nothing special about being dipped below the water; it’s what it represents in your soul. It should be one of your first acts – a public act declaring that you’ve given your life to Christ.
The Bible has been greatly misunderstood throughout the centuries--from the Pharisees and their predecessors all the way through modern-day. Many look at Scripture as a rulebook for how to live life, but, as Pastor Mark will explain in today’s message, that’s not an entirely accurate view. The commandments and laws contained in Scripture are impossible for us to keep. You may succeed in some ways, but as a fallen human being, you’ll stumble and fall into sin no matter how hard you try. Scripture was given not to show us how to live but to show us our need for God. Only when you trust in Him can you be made righteous; it’s not by keeping all the rules.
As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, there was a time when God spoke to only a select number of people – the prophets. These people weren’t perfect, but they had dedicated themselves to listening and obeying God as He spoke to them through Scripture and supernatural revelations. Today, we no longer need to depend on a few people to receive the truth of God and interpret it for us. God has given us a great gift in His Holy Spirit. That Spirit speaks directly to us and confirms the message of the Gospel while helping us interpret and apply it to our lives in this fallen world.
Have you ever seen a commercial for a product whose main selling point is that they’re better than their competitors? It’s convincing when a testimonial is given from someone who used to use the other brand, but now that they’ve tried this brand, they’ve seen how much better it is. If they’d never tried the other brand, we wouldn’t trust their opinion nearly as much. Paul’s testimony was more effective because of the extreme nature of his transformation. As Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, Paul went from persecuting and even executing Christians to putting his own life on the line for the sake of the Gospel.
None of us enjoy correction or rebuke. Most of us will try our best to avoid being on either side of it. There’s a good reason God gave us that hesitation. It’s vital that you take the time to really think about and, more importantly, pray about an issue before you confront someone. It should only be done out of love. As you mature in your faith in Christ and He transforms you from the inside out, you’ll get better at dealing with correction. You’ll still feel those defenses come up, but if you look at the other person with grace and love, giving them the benefit of the doubt, it can be a beautiful opportunity for growth.
Rebellion and resistance to correction are characteristics of an immature believer. When an authority figure or a peer comes to you with correction or accountability, your first reaction may be to get defensive. The excuses start flowing. Or sometimes you try to turn it around on them and start pointing out their flaws. How should a mature believer handle those moments of confrontation? As Pastor Mark will point out to us in this teaching, while there are those who like to lord over others because they enjoy that feeling of power, a good, loving leader–like Paul–will confront sin or false beliefs because they love you.
The days in which we are living are challenging. We have two options. We can either use the turbulence of our circumstances to grow our faith or we can use it to grow our fear. We may not have much power in this world, but we do have the power to choose between these two things. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will encourage us to choose faith in the midst of trials. Instead of staring at a television screen or scrolling angrily through social media, let’s use these times to direct people to the only one that can calm the storm. People are longing for peace, and there’s only one place they can find it: Jesus Christ.
Dying for our faith is generally not something we have to worry about in this country. As much as popular culture may have moved away from the values and virtues that characterize the life of a Christ-follower, things simply haven’t reached that point yet. It is hard for us to put ourselves in the shoes of our spiritual predecessors who faced the very real threat of death simply for believing in Jesus. Countless martyrs have given their lives to in gruesome ways, not with fear and trepidation, but with a supernatural joy and peace that clearly demonstrated the Spirit’s presence in their hearts. We, too, can have that joy and peace.
The world is full of sights and sounds and the next big thing. All these things have the power to pull you away from what really matters, and what really matters is Jesus. Jesus asked Peter if he loved him more than all the sights and sounds and things. This challenged Peter, and it should challenge you too.
Before Jesus’ death, Peter claimed he would never deny the Lord. For those who know the story, you know he did deny Jesus—three times—and his decision crushed him. Jesus knew he would do this, and yet He still loved him. When Jesus returned, Peter was restored and made new. Maybe you’re wrestling with a mistake that you’ve made in the past. Jesus wants to restore you! In this teaching, Pastor Mark will encourage you to run to Jesus for that restoration.
When boredom strikes, our hearts are quick to look for excitement. Sometimes, this searching can lead us to places and things that are not good for our souls. When you’re tempted to find pleasure in all the wrong places, be still before the Lord and ask Him to help you. As you’ll hear in this teaching, it is only in Jesus that you find true satisfaction.
Peter didn’t always make the right choices, and sometimes he took his eyes off of what mattered. When it seemed that Jesus was nowhere to be found, Peter fell back into his old habits. It wasn’t until he saw Jesus on the shore that he realized he wasn’t where he should be. He was called to be a fisher of men not of fish. The Lord designates some areas as off-limits to us because He knows they are no longer beneficial. Pastor Mark will remind us that we need to trust that God is always working things for our good.
It’s easy to want to go back to your old life when the new life God calls you to gets hard. The temptations can be challenging to resist, but when God calls you out, He calls you to something lasting, to something better. As you walk with the Lord, don’t allow doors from the past to remain open. Ask God to help you close what should be closed, and open what He has for you. Pastor Mark will remind you in this teaching that God’s doors are always better than your own. He knows where they lead, and you can always trust in His good and perfect plan for your life.
Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. You can probably point to an event in your life in which waiting constituted the biggest part of a given problem. It’s not a new thing—you can see it in the lives of the disciples too. As Jesus walked with them, Jesus taught the disciples about patience, teaching them that although waiting is hard, patience really is a virtue! As you wait on the Lord, don’t allow distractions of life to move you away from the calling He has on your life.
When life hits you with hard things, it can be difficult to believe God is present, but sometimes, it’s the hard things that help you see God more clearly. So, rather than be embarrassed by the scars in your life, allow them to bring you closer to the Lord. If you’re wrestling with doubt today, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you in a powerful way. Pastor Mark will be reminding you in this message that God is faithful to meet you right where you are.
Doubt pops into our lives at the strangest times, and it can be confusing. But in today’s message we’ll learn that we’re not alone. Thomas, a disciple of Jesus, doubted too! Be encouraged. It is not uncommon for a believer to experience doubt, but we shouldn’t live our lives in it. When we live in doubt, we can miss out on the amazing things God has for us. So take your questions to the Lord and let Him replace them with faith.
How can you overcome sin? Many believers struggle with this, finding that even after years into their faith journey, they still fall into the same temptations on a regular basis. God has so much more for you. The Holy Spirit is much strong than sin and the forces of evil that draw you towards it. In this teaching, Pastor Mark encourages us to invest ourselves in our faith. Even in the midst of great doubts and hopelessness, you can choose to lean into God’s word and prayer. God will reward you and build your faith, even in the face of a mountain of doubts.
If you sometimes struggle with doubts about God and the Bible, you are not alone. Even the most well-known and respected leaders of our faith have had doubts. Questions and skepticism can shake us to the core, but the only answer that matters is the Bible. The Bible is living and active. When approached with an open heart, it will transform your life. Cling to the Word of God, in and out of seasons of doubt.
We tend to get arrogant when we’re given a position of power and authority. You may see certain tasks or activities as below your paygrade or as something to be handled by someone a little lower on the totem pole. The world often operates in this manner, but the Church should not. Delegating as a leader isn’t a bad thing; it’s wise. Still, our perspective should never be that those under our leadership are less than us, as it can lead to misplaced pride and unkind behavior. Jesus is God. He’s equal to the Father, yet when His desire to avoid pain contradicted God’s plan, He submitted Himself to the Father in humility and love.
In the women’s liberation movement, Christianity is not often referenced in a positive manner. Christianity is often accused of being repressive towards women. In this teaching, Pastor Mark draws our attention to the way that Jesus and His Church have actually elevated women out of cultural repression. Some branches of so-called Christianity have greatly misinterpreted and misused the Bible to justify oppression, but when applied correctly, our faith emphasized the equality of men and women in Christ.
God gave us our bodies and we are to be good stewards of everything He’s given us. But as Pastor Mark will remind us in this teaching, as much as we should honor these temples of the Holy Spirit, we also should remember that they’re only temporary. Our bodies will continue to degrade and eventually give out, but our spirits will last through eternity. Instead of focusing so much of our energy on feeding and caring for our physical bodies, we should be pouring into our eternal soul, preparing ourselves to stand before the throne of God.
Have you been seeking the face of the Lord? All too often, we get so caught up in our routines and what will make us happy that we neglect to seek Jesus. In this teaching, we’ll encounter Jesus’ Disciple Mary expressing her devotion to the one who rescued her from demonic possession. When we look at what Jesus did for us, it makes any effort on our part look pretty small. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will ask us to consider what Christ has done for us. What measures have you gone to for His sake?
Our faith can be one of deep unity or deep divide. When people accept the Lord, they are immediately unified with us and all believers throughout the world. When people reject Christ, however, they often look at us and other believers with disdain. This rejection can be extremely difficult-especially when those people are good friends or even family. As you deal with broken relationships, take heart. God’s love transcends even the deepest divides. Continue to pray for and love those individuals who persecute you and remember that you are a part of the body of Christ. You will never be alone.
A life free of suffering and pain doesn’t necessarily mean you are living within God’s will. As Pastor Mark points out in this teaching, God’s own Son endured unimaginable suffering according to God’s plan. While we’ll never experience pain as deep as the crucifixion, we should expect suffering throughout our walk with Christ. Instead of questioning God, we should look at suffering as an opportunity to stay faithful, to learn more about God’s character, and to grow deeper in our intimacy with Christ.
The pain Jesus endured on the cross goes beyond our comprehension. The emotional and spiritual pain of enduring all the guilt and shame of the entire world surpasses any pain—no matter how excruciating—that we as humans can experience. Despite this anguish, Jesus did not attempt to lesson His pain. In this teaching, Pastor Mark points out that Jesus’ entire focus was on others--His mother, His followers, you, me. He even expended his strength to declare forgiveness for those who placed Him on the cross.
Pilate was a sick man. The label he placed about Jesus’ head—King of the Jews—was not only done to mock Jesus but also to mock the Jews. In essence, the sign was saying this is what happens to Jews who stand against Rome. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains that while Pilate meant the words to be taken ironically, they were incredibly apt. Jesus was and is the only true King of the Jews.
Jesus wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power. The irony of His trial before Pilate was that Jesus was the only one in the room with true power, yet He submitted Himself to Pilate, a man whose power could be stripped away with just one word from Him. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains that Jesus was never held against His will. He underwent pain and agony that few people have ever knows all by choice in order to secure our salvation.
Jesus never organized a march, protest, or a sit-in. Still, He’s the most influential person to have ever lived. He chose to focus on proclaiming the truth of God instead of on making political stands, allowing people to choose whether to soften their hearts or harden them in the face of His truths. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains that political action can be warranted, but it should never be the way the true Church affects change. The Church should bring the truth in love and grace, allowing God to bring about change in the hearts of men.
Do you feel alone and hurt? Are you in pain—physically or emotionally? Jesus knows what you are experiencing on a close and intimate level. He went through the depth of suffering for your sake, and He went through it alone, all so He could meet you where you are and provide comfort.
Sin has been so destructive to mankind. It goes far beyond just death. As Pastor Mark points out in this teaching, sin brought emotional, physical, and psychological pain into the world that torments all men. Jesus endured every type of pain and stress that you or I can suffer, even more so, as he endured the excruciating death on the cross. By suffering on our behalf, he provided a way for us to transcend our painful conditions. We’ll still experience hardship throughout our lives, but He can offer us peace and healing in the midst of it.
A mentality exists among many Christians that believes the world should and will be thrilled at our message of salvation. That would be wonderful, but it would mean contradicting the sinful nature that pervades the hearts of men. In this teaching, Pastor Mark tells us to expect persecution and resistance. Effective change can only come about by sharing Christ and His grace with the world. Let’s grit our teeth to face the opposition that will come when we shine light in the darkness.
People often say that Jesus and His disciples turned the world upside down. Pastor Mark points out, however, that our world has been upside down ever since Adam and Eve fell in the garden. Jesus came to restore the world—to set it right side up by changing the hearts of men back to what they were designed to be.
Generally, we are very aware of our areas of weakness. Whatever it is--lust, greed, anger, consumption--we know if we are especially prone to fall in that area. One of the best defenses against falling is to stay away from places, activities, or people that lead us towards those areas. As Pastor Mark points out in this teaching, on the night of Jesus’ arrest, Peter ended up in a place he should not have been. Although Jesus warned him, Peter foolishly thought he could handle it, leading to his infamous 3-part denial of Christ.
In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains the necessity of prayer in overcoming temptations and trials. Peter felt a fierce loyalty to Jesus and believed he was willing to die for him yet failed when the test came because his flesh was weak. We are in no place to ridicule Peter. The circumstances he faced would have tested even the most faithful of saints. Still, we can prepare for trials by committing ourselves to prayer and by allowing the Spirit to fill and empower us.
Jesus willingly went to the cross. As we see demonstrated in today’s passage, just by uttering the declaration “I Am,” He unleashed enough power to knock down a battalion of soldiers. He humbled Himself for our sake, submitted to the Father, and took on the sin of mankind, all while possessing unlimited power.
Jesus’ time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane weighed heavily on Him. Think of your most guilty moment, a moment when you realized you had done something terrible and regretted it so deeply that it hurt. Now, take that feeling and multiply it exponentially--then you may come close to what Jesus experienced. But to tell the truth, we will never be able to fathom it. In this teaching, Pastor Mark examines the time Jesus spent in the garden and its importance in His journey to the cross.
We have full access to God and His truth through the revelation of His word. There’s a reason the Bible is a source of division for many. It is not just a book; It’s one of the primary ways that God exists among us now. He speaks to us and changes lives through it. In this teaching, Pastor Mark warns believers that they will be rejected by the world. Don’t expect to be embraced in a world that has given itself over to selfishness and sin. Still, remember to extend grace in the midst of strong resistance towards the Gospel.
If you’ve ever saved something, like an animal or even a person from harm, you may have an understanding—albeit a small one—of how God feels when He looks at His kids. As Pastor Mark will discuss in this teaching, we’ve inherited a heart for rescue from our loving Heavenly Father.
We can barely begin to fathom the scope of what God has done for us in Jesus. We are incapable of not sinning, and our good works and sacrifices have never been enough to make up for the evil in our hearts. Our sin requires atonement, and that is where Jesus comes in. The perfect lamb of God willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for our redemption. As Pastor Mark examines the prayer Jesus offered to God, he challenges us to reflect on how amazing Christ’s sacrifice was. We forget so easily due to the many distractions in this life, but His sacrifice should turn our lives upside down.
While many of us are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer, the men of God that pieced the books of the Bible together with chapter breaks, verses, titles, and headers could have named it the Believer’s Prayer. When Jesus prayed it, He did so as an example of how we should pray to God. Jesus does have His own prayer, however, that He prays as God’s son. In this teaching, Pastor Mark examines this prayer, often called the High Priestly prayer.
How do you react when you face trials or persecution? Do you get angry with God and question why He would allow such things? Sadly, many Christians struggle with those feelings. The truth of the matter is God is not to blame when we go through suffering. Suffering is the result of living in a fallen world that hates God. When you find yourself in the midst of suffering, take heart. The hope you have in Christ will carry you through. The pain we endure here is very short term in light of the glorious eternity we’ll have with Him.
Looking at the relationship between a loving parent and a child is the closest thing we can get to understanding the relationship dynamic between us and God. Most parents, as imperfect as they are, look at their kids with a love and affection that no one else will. They like their children simply for existing—there are no conditions that need to be met. So it is with God. He likes you, not for what you bring to the table, but simply because He wants to have a relationship with you. You may feel like you are not worth loving, but God values you and has gone to incredible lengths to draw you in.
God doesn’t want to be the enemy of our world, but that’s what the unsaved world has made Him out to be. His sovereignty directly contradicts the fleshly desire to serve ourselves and our momentary pleasures. When you become a part of His kingdom, however, your perspective on life will completely change. As a follower of Jesus, you’re going to be pushing upstream, going against the current of our culture, and the world will hate you for it. Thankfully, we are not alone in this. Our God will carry us through.
Is the Holy Spirit comfortable in your life? Is He comfortable in your home? Sadly, with how desensitized many of us have become, the answer is probably no. The things that come up on our numerous screens are often very offensive to God, and it breaks His heart to see us allowing such destruction into our lives. If you’ve accepted salvation through Christ, your eternity is secure, but that doesn’t mean you should do whatever you want while on this earth. Jesus wants to transform you; He wants to pull you out of our culture of perversion that pervades our society and do a mighty work in your life. You just have to let Him.
It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit works in and through those He indwells. As Pastor Mark pints out in this teaching, the Holy Spirit’s presence can be sensed by those around us, even if we never mention God. Still, we need to speak the Gospel, to verbalize our faith, in order to fulfill Christ’s commandments.
Speaking truth, no matter how loving and gracious you are, is going to create enemies. The very idea that you believe in an absolute truth will be treated with shock and opposition in our culture. In this teaching, Pastor Mark points out that early Christians faced a cultural backlash similar to what we are starting to see today. We should expect persecution as Christ-followers. We follow a Savior whose ministry led Him to be brutally executed. If we are truly following Him, why would we expect our life to be easy and comfortable?
How often do you feel like you’re facing this life and its struggles all alone? For some, this past year with its social distancing and restrictions has only amplified that feeling. That loneliness is an attack of the enemy. God gave us His Holy Spirit so that you never have to face life alone. God created the church to be a body of believers, working together and serving in various ways to Him glory. As His body, His Spirit connects all of us. Even when you don’t feel it, He’s there. Don’t give in to your feelings of isolation; Trust in His promise to comfort and guide you.
Do you know—I mean really know—that when you die you are going to heaven? If you’re answering yes, then how do you know? It can’t be because your parents took you to church or because you are a good person. That is not true salvation. Have you had a personal encounter with Jesus? Have you given your whole life to Him? Salvation occurs in that moment of true surrender.
If you love Jesus, then sin is not something you actively pursue. If you love Jesus, then you tell others about Him and about how He’s forgiven you. But guess what. The world isn’t going to like that. Pastor Mark has some news for you: You are going to be hated. The enemy of God, Satan, is going to do all he can to stop the truth from getting out and to pull people away from Jesus. As a believer, this makes you a threat. Don’t be surprised when attacks come, but make sure to keep following Jesus.
You don’t share your intimate secrets with just anyone. Most likely there are things you don’t want to broadcast to the world. With your friends, however, you can develop trust and intimacy. You can tell them the truth and know that they’ll keep the information safe. Did you know that God wants to have that kind of friendship with you? As you follow His Word and live in obedience, you’ll develop a familiarity and closeness with Jesus, giving Him the opportunity to share things with you as a close friend.
If you’ve given your life to Jesus, you are saved! You belong to the Lord and your sins are forgiven. What a wonderful reason to get up each day! But is that where it ends for you? In this teaching, Pastor Mark will be sharing the difference between living as a servant of God and living as a friend of God. Put forth effort to get to know your Savior. Do what He asks of you and seek to grow in a deep and personal relationship with Him.
In this teaching, Pastor Mark discusses abiding in Christ. Not all Christians have learned to abide in their Savior. To abide is not a passive act; It is a choice to press in deeply to Jesus, clinging to the vine for our very breath. If we abide, we will begin to see fruit in our lives. It might not be noticeable to everyone at first, but just as a healthy vine eventually grows grapes, so we too will slowly but surely produce fruit unto the Lord. The more you allow Him to work in you, the more you will produce. Spend time in the Word, pray, and get to know your Vinedresser; He will bring the increase.
Too often we think we can bring about the results God is looking for. We think we have the strength and skills needed to do it on our own. God can take a break! But in all honesty, our efforts pale in comparison to God’s ability. In this teaching, Pastor Mark encourages us to truly and deeply understand that Jesus is the source of life. He is the provider of all our skills or talents we so often claim as our own. He is the vine that we are secured to, and without Him, we would be nothing.
We all want peace; people search for it in all kinds of ways, and sometimes, they are able to attain it temporarily. The problem is that feeling won’t stick around once difficult times come. The Bible, though, tells us that there is a source of peace that lasts, and if you’re a child of God, you have access to it. In this teaching, Pastor Mark encourages us to invite God’s lasting peace into our lives. How is that done? By investing in the relationship we have with Him. We need to read our Bibles, obey Him, and pray for the peace that passes all understanding.
There is a big difference between having a servant and having a friend. Both have a relationship with you, but each has their own motivations that lead to specific actions. A servant does things for you, but there is no personal or emotional reason for that action, no personal connection. A friend, on the other hand, often does things for you as well, but it is done voluntarily, as an act of love. In this teaching, Pastor Mark talks about what it means to be a friend of Jesus. If you’ve given your life to Him, that friendship is already established. If you’re already His friend, are you treating Him like it?
Everyone receives the Holy Spirit when they accept Jesus. He comes inside us and begins transforming us from the inside out. As Pastor Mark clarifies in this teaching, however, there is an extra work of the Spirit that comes after the initial work of salvation: Spiritual Baptism. This secondary work moves us from having an indwelling to an on-dwelling of His presence. Our soul is already seen as righteous through Christ, but in this new work, our outward life begins to reflect our inner righteousness.
You can’t have Jesus without His Holy Spirit. It’s that Spirit in us that brings about righteous behavior that would be impossible for our flesh. This transformation begins the moment you receive Christ, and it is only completed when you stand before Him in eternity. If you ever get to a point where you no longer sense the conviction and leading of the Holy Spirit, it is time for dedicated prayer and reflection. As Pastor Mark reminds us in this teaching, growing in Christ is a continuous process, only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
What is the difference between condemnation and conviction? For starters, one comes from the enemy, while the other comes from the Holy Spirit. Conviction brings change and growth, but condemnation brings shame and fear. Our enemy is a talented deceiver. He pokes at the wounds created by our sin, bringing frustration and pain. When God uses His Spirit to touch our wounds and reveal our weaknesses, it may hurt, but it is in order to provide His healing.
The Holy Spirit is Jesus in spirit form, He is not a substitute. The trinity is a concept we have a difficult time understanding. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one but still maintain individual identities. Although not with us in physical form, Jesus can be with us in the Spirit. His presence is not a feeling that you might get when you hear an emotional worship song. It’s much more than that. His Spirit is a comforter and a guide. It is truth. He teaches and directs us regardless of our feelings.
Jesus’ life and ministry had such an amazing impact on His world and continues to have an impact on millions of lives. Still, He told His disciples that they would do an even greater work than he did. That’s hard to fathom, but Pastor Mark will help clarify this statement in this teaching.
Our planet is often referred to as “the land of the living,” but as Pastor Mark will point out in this teaching, our fallen world would be better described as “the land of the dying.” When you are in Christ and pass away, you enter into true life for all eternity, but even here on earth, believers can connect to His everlasting kingdom of life through prayer. God has offered us an amazing privilege. Let’s focus our hearts on Him through prayer on a daily basis, taking advantage of every opportunity to draw closer to His presence.
Many people find it hard to accept that there is only one way into Heaven. This stubborn mentality can be directly traced to the sinful pride in each of our hearts. We want to be in control of our own destiny, and we don’t want to bow our knee to anyone or anything. As Pastor Mark stresses in today’s teaching, the fundamental truth of Jesus Christ is that He is the way, the truth, and the life; No one can come to the Father except through Him. This is a simple, exclusive, and beautiful truth. There is no work that we have to do. Simply trust Him, and He will save you.
For a young child, a loving father is one of the most trustworthy figures in their lives. They trust them to an unrealistic extent and often believe they’re capable of the impossible. This level of respect and love fades as they grow older and see their parents’ humanity, but for believers, it is necessary to return to that kind of trust as we look to our Heavenly Father. You and I can trust that God loves us and will catch us when we step out and take the leap of faith that He calls each of us into.
The word “love” is overused in our world. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains the different kinds of love described in the Bible. The word used to describe God’s love for man is “agape.” This is a love that transcends conditions. This love gives with no expectations and continues regardless of the response. God has agape love for you. It is not dependent on anything you do for Him. All you have to do is accept it.
In this teaching, Pastor Marks discusses the bewildering love of Christ. Our human perspective cannot make sense of it. Jesus exemplified a father-like love for the disciples as He led and taught them. He has that same love for us. When we sin, He doesn’t look on us with disgust or frustration but with love and sadness.
John—the “beloved” disciple of Jesus—was in a position of intimacy that allowed him to hear things the others did not. We can apply this example to our spiritual walk with Christ. As Pastor Mark points out in this teaching, the closer we draw to Jesus, the more aware we will become of His voice. Let’s put aside the distractions of this world and lean on Him. It is when we rest in Jesus that we’ll hear Him speak.
It’s hard to fathom how someone could walk with Jesus for three years, witnessing miracles, and still reject Him. Judas’ agenda was driven by his own reason and selfishness. Jesus didn’t fit the image that he and so many others had imagined of the Messiah. In a moment of greed and pride, he handed his Rabbi over to be arrested and executed.
Humbling ourselves to serve friends and family can be challenging. Even more challenging it is to serve someone who dislikes you or has even betrayed you. Jesus did exactly this. He knew what Judas was planning, yet still washed his feet along with the other disciples. Our hearts, which desire to get even when we are wronged, need to learn the sacrificial nature and servitude of Christ.
A musical instrument, however beautiful, gains its value from the music it makes more than its physical appearance. If left un-played, it will fall out of tune and its potential will be wasted. Believers can be like that as well. If we submit ourselves into the hands of God, He can make beautiful music through us. If we waste our potential on our own comforts and conveniences, however, we will miss the amazing opportunities He has for us and will squander our very purpose.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. We are not even guaranteed our next breath. Life is fragile and fleeting, and this is the only one we’ve got. In this teaching, Pastor Mark warns against squandering the opportunities we’ve been given. Choose to use your limited time for seeking Jesus.
God desires love and obedience from us, but He gives us free will. Choosing to reject Christ is a personal decision that cannot be blamed on Him. He has gone to incredible lengths to draw us to Himself, but if we harden ourselves against Him, we deserve the eternal separation our decision grants us. In rare cases, men harden their hearts so much towards God that they go past a point of no return. In this teaching, Pastor Mark takes a look at Pharaoh and Moses to show that God gives plenty of warning signs before a person gets to this point, but we must still take this seriously. Do not harden your heart towards God. Repent, and He will receive you.
God won’t force faith into the heart of man. He gave us free will. Sadly, many have ample opportunity to accept God’s grace but choose to reject Him, following their own selfish desires. They may feel like that decision gives them control of their lives, but its consequence is an eternal separation from God, an eternal death. In this teaching, Pastor Mark challenges us to make a decision. There isn’t time to be on the fence about our eternity. Choose Christ.
Time is precious; Most of us are familiar with that maxim. As Pastor Mark points out in this teaching, time is also easily wasted. As morbid as it may seem, take a minute to imagine this is your last day on earth. What do you wish you had done more of? If you come to the realization that you’ve been wasting time, now is the moment to change course and dedicate your time to eternal matters.
When Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem, it was an act akin to a king riding into his city in peaceful triumph. He was coming into the city knowing that only a few days later, He would undergo the anguish of dying on the cross for us. In this message, Pastor Mark points out that Jesus’ death was not merely or the Jews. He died for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike. He bore our sin to repair our relationship with God.
If you’re in Christ, you have hope for eternity. You have confidence in what will happen after you die, and that confidence should replace your natural fear of death. Paul was a great example of how a follower of Jesus can impact lives when they embrace their security in Christ. As Pastor Mark notes in this teaching, it’s not that we want to die, but our fear of death is gone, freeing us up to pour ourselves out in service for Christ.
As much as we might not like to admit it, Judas had a point: Mary’s valuable spikenard could have been used for practical ministry. Many poor families could have been clothed and fed if it had been sold. The poor should not be neglected, but Mary had insight into the value of worshipping Jesus. Jesus was everything to Mary. That is the problem with Judas’ argument. We should care for the poor, but even more than providing food for the body, followers of Christ should demonstrate that Jesus provides never-ending sustenance for our souls.
When we read the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with the spikenard, we might imagine a fancy bottle of oil or perfume. In reality, this oil was worth 300 denarii, which would be around fifty-five thousand dollars in today’s currency—a year’s wages as Judas Iscariot notes. In this teaching, Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our hearts and ask whether we would go to that extreme level for Jesus. Think of your most prized positions. Would you be willing to lay it down at your Savior’s feet with no regard for how He would use it?
Nothing you have is truly yours, except your free will. Whether you’re one of the “haves” or “have-nots,” all your possessions, power, or position are ultimately God’s. He simply placed you as a steward of those things. He desires that you use them for His glory, not your own comfort or gain. While God will give and take according to His will, you must decide how to respond. Will you cling to and trust in earthly things, or will you hold on to the Lord, recognizing the temporary nature of everything in this world?
Have you ever prayed or heard someone else pray, “God, if you’ll give me a sign, I’ll believe”? While this seems logical, thousands of people encountered Jesus and witnessed His earthly miracles, yet still did not believe and even joined in the cries to crucify Him. In this teaching, Pastor Mark addresses the truth about our nature. Humans have stubborn, sinful hearts. God might bless us with a peaceful life, but instead of turning to Him with gratitude, we are more likely to grow complacent, making idols out of His gifts to us.
Sin creates a kind of spiritual stink in our lives that is impossible to hide. That doesn’t mean that most of us don’t try to hide it. This is why our brothers and sisters in Christ are vital in our spiritual walk. They are often the first to see the sin in our lives, and they can help lift us out of it. Whether you are the one observing sin in someone else or it’s your sin that is coming to light, this process should be one full of love and grace. All of us have this struggle, and as Pastor Marks reminds us in this teaching, we all need help—both from the Holy Spirit and fellow believers.
Getting older is hard. Still, it can bring wisdom and grace if you have used the years to spend time in the presence of God, seeking Him daily. What kind of witness would you like to have? Do you want people to look on you with respect and warmth, to see Jesus in you? When you spend time with the Lord, others will be able to see the effect it has on you, just as one can see the effects of age in the graying of a person’s hair.
God’s church is very diverse. Depending on your background in the faith, your idea of the average Christian may be very stereotypical: a suit and tie, a pretty dress, a smiling face on a sunny, Sunday morning. Of course, that’s pretty far from reality. In this teaching, Pastor Mark points out the diversity of personalities and struggles within the Church. Getting saved does not remove these differences from us. The beautiful thing is, these differences are used by God to sharpen and edify us.
Our God and His perfect plans are worth waiting on. Following Christ requires patience and trust. In this teaching, Pastor Mark warns of the dangers of lacking these two things and of the anxiety that comes from this lack. God works outside our timeframes and expectations. If you wait on Him, good things will come. Why didn’t Jesus go immediately after hearing that Lazarus was sick? We can speculate, but ultimately, we cannot know for sure, except that it demonstrated His sovereignty and power. Ultimately, when He acts, it is to draw us into Himself and to reveal His glory.
God is an uninhibited provider. All things belong to Him and are easily within His grasp. Still, all too often, Christians allow themselves to be racked with worry over how the bills will be paid or how they will put food on the table. Worrying does nothing for our good, and it reveals our lack of faith. In this teaching, Pastor Mark tells us to expect hardships in this life. God doesn’t remove all our obstacles when we begin following Him. In fact, oftentimes, these hardships seem to increase. What God does ultimately provide, however, is perfect peace and hope in the midst of any situation you may be going through.
Don’t misinterpret Pastor Mark as saying that God enjoys our suffering. On the contrary, it deeply saddens God, much like it saddens the heart of human parents watching their kids suffer through consequence and trial. Holding on to hope in the midst of suffering requires great faith. Losing a loved one, enduring an illness, or facing hardship, makes it easy to point a finger at God and demand an answer. As you struggle, have faith, because God is with you and He has a greater purpose to work out in your life.
In our culture, science, reason, and logic, as well as our emotions, have all taken the place of the Bible as a foundation for life. We seek that which makes sense to us, those things that make us feel good, but this approach places far too much merit in our own capabilities, knowledge, and flesh. When we throw out the Bible, or even certain parts of it, because we disagree with it or feel challenged, we are taking on the role of God. In this teaching, Pastor Mark reminds us that God’s Word alone should act as our foundation and authority.
No amount of study can fully reveal all the mysteries of the Bible. You could devote your entire life to dissecting this Book down to the letter and still completely miss what it’s really saying. The Bible tells of a God who is beyond the scope of human understanding and of the Kingdom He’ll bring which defies our reason. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains that the only way to understand the Bible is to die to the sinful nature that resists its truth and to wake up to His Spirit at work.
Far too often, Christians are experts at putting on a show. You may go to church, smile, and even sing loudly, when in reality, you are falling apart inside. It can easily become a habit to go through the motions of church, but in doing so, you will miss out on what God intends for His body of believers. In this teaching, Pastor Mark encourages us to spend time with fellow believers and go to church, especially when you find yourself struggling. We don’t have to pretend everything is fine if it isn’t. God wants us to be a unified body, able to build each other up in the faith and able to rely on each other’s strength when ours is failing.
Our world often labels God as cruel for daring to judge us for our sins, or they interpret God’s love to mean that He would never refuse or correct us. In this teaching, Pastor Mark points out that God’s love and justice require Him to correct us when we do wrong. He knows how destructive sin is. When He created Adam and Eve, they had untarnished intimacy with Him. When sin entered, He experienced great sorrow at our separation from Him. He did not leave us in that state. He had a plan for our redemption through His son, Jesus Christ.
At one point or another, we have all experienced what it means to be outside of God’s flock. In this teaching, Pastor Mark discusses Jesus’ desire to bring all sheep into his flock. You and I have an important part to play in growing God’s Kingdom. We are not on this earth to graze in green pastures and grow fat and complacent. God has called us to something higher. He has given us a mission to share the love and grace we have found and to bring those who are lost into the flock of God.
In modern society, most people have not encountered sheep, which means many of us might not know what it means to be a good shepherd. The dynamic between sheep and their shepherd can be compared to the relationship many of us have with our dogs. Our pets trust us. We invest time, energy, and resources into providing for them, and it saddens our hearts to see them in pain. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will explain that the relationship between a good shepherd and his sheep is one of protection, tenderness, and care. The sheep belong to the shepherd, and they know that he will keep them safe and provided for.
Class of citizenship does not exist in God’s Kingdom. In God’s eyes, you are an equal with the apostles and with the likes of Billy Graham. They do not overshadow you. He gets immense joy watching you live a life focused on His glory, even if only one soul is brought to Him by your efforts. It is challenging to grasp this, but even before the world began, God knew you. He knew your heart, and He knew your name. He loved you before you were ever born. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will focus on an uplifting truth that should impact the way you view yourself and others.
Entrance into God’s family can only be attained one way. You cannot con or force your way in. The only way is to admit your weakness and come to Christ, who is the door. He stands in the way of any who would bring harm to His children and stands to warmly welcome all those who come to Him. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will discuss a metaphor that would have made complete sense to His audience. The people Jesus spoke to understood the relationship of sheep to the shepherd, and his analogy would have struck a beautiful chord for them.
What drives you to learn more about God? Are you seeking to earn approval from Him? Are you trying to strengthen your argument in a debate? Both these motivators reflect a heart that has missed the point of the Christian walk. It is so important to approach your faith with humility and honesty. If you have been a believer for a long time, it is easy to put confidence in that and not in Jesus. In this teaching, Pastor Mark challenges us to remember our helplessness apart from Christ. If you are leaning on your own understanding, you’re leaning on something that will give out before long.
We all struggle with vanity on some level. We want to look good in front of our friends. We want to be accepted and approved of. This desire has a tendency to get us into trouble. The fear of losing the approval of our peers can lead to a life of conformity and compromise. When we choose to follow Jesus, we are going to experience the world’s rejection. In the midst of this rejection, we must hold on to this truth: that we are accepted and approved of by God because of what Christ has done for us on the cross.
Religion places a burden on people that they cannot possibly bear. It requires an unattainable level of righteousness in order to reach God. In this teaching, Pastor Mark explains the relationship God has invited you into, free of all burdens. Jesus spent much of His ministry tearing down the religious walls that man had built. They had taken something God meant for our benefit and turned it into a means of self-promotion and power. They missed the heart of God in the Law. Jesus came to fulfill the Law and to provide a means of true redemption.
There is a massive difference between knowing about God and actually knowing Him. In this teaching, Pastor Mark points out that many religious people in Jesus’ day knew God’s Word better than the back of their hand. They picked it apart and analyzed it in a way that would put us to shame, yet they totally missed the Messiah it foretold. It is vital to keep your heart open to the work of God. You need to spend time in prayer and in the study of His Word, not merely to equip yourself for theological debates, but for the purpose of growing in intimacy with your Heavenly Father.
Have you ever fallen into sin, but then returned to God in repentance? Most believers have been in this place. After experiencing the filth of sin, His Word is so refreshing. No matter how far you’ve strayed, reading the Bible brings rejuvenation to your spirit and joy to your soul. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will explain that just as the blind man in John chapter nine had a strong sense of urgency to get into the pool and rinse his eyes, so we should eagerly seek the spiritual healing and restoration that can be found in God’s Word.
Every one of us has been born into sin. We are also born in the image of God and have an innate sense of His existence and our need for Him. Before you hear about Jesus, you may struggle to pinpoint where your emptiness comes from, but nothing aside from Him can fill that space in a lasting way. Our God is a just God, and He gives everyone a chance to accept or reject His offer of salvation, but sadly, many will choose disbelief and will follow their own sinful nature.
God does not desire to be exclusionary. He didn’t send Jesus for a select few that He wants in Heaven. He sent His Son to walk in humble perfection and to die for all mankind to know Him and be redeemed by His work of grace. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will point out that although the Gospel is interpreted as intolerant in our culture, the beauty of salvation in Christ is that it’s simple. You don’t have to make your own way into heaven—the work is finished. All you have to do is believe and accept Him.
Jesus demonstrated leadership that completely contradicted the typical human model. Our CEOs, political leaders, and even some religious leaders are focused on puffing themselves up and serving their own purposes. Jesus, on the other hand, had every right to establish Himself as the sole ruler of this world, but instead submitted Himself to His Father’s plan. In this teaching, Pastor Mark addresses our need to submit to His plan, even if it requires great sacrifice.
If you have placed your faith in Christ and received His gift of salvation, you’ve become a citizen of a vastly different kingdom than any here on earth. When you live in the grace that characterizes this kingdom, it is going to turn some heads. Some may be drawn in, but many will be driven away by their hard hearts. As Pastor Mark will explain, you cannot make these decisions for others. Sadly, many people have formed views about God that lead them to reject Him, regardless of the grace He extends. All you are responsible for is faithfully sharing His truth with them and praying that their heart would be softened.
Jesus is often depicted as soft-spoken or reserved, timidly dealing with confrontation or even avoiding it, but in reality, He never shied away from conflict. Instead, He brought very hard truths to the Pharisees and religious elite. Jesus will be faithful to confront you and your sin, but not because he takes pleasure in condemning you. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will remind us that it is out of deep love that He chastens those who follow Him.
When you are in bondage to sin, it is quite possible to be oblivious of your chains. You may not even recognize the given behavior as a sin, or you might not be willing to admit that it is controlling you. In this teaching, Pastor Mark reminds us that Christ came to set us free. He didn’t come to condemn or enslave us. He purchased our freedom. Still, it is your choice to accept His invitation into that freedom and commit your life to Him.
We have grown desensitized to sin in our world. The things we consider normal would have shocked people a mere fifteen or twenty years ago. The Bible tells us that if our right hand causes us to sin, we should cut it off. That is a harsh teaching. In this message, Pastor Mark will warn us to take a more serious view of our sin, as Jesus Himself does. Whatever steps must be taken to ensure freedom—whether it means turning off internet, cutting off relationships, or having an accountability partner—are going to be worth it in the end.
God desires for all of us to be free from sin. He went to great lengths to break the bonds the enemy places on us. Sadly, many people, Christians included, remain in bondage to sin. In this teaching, Pastor Mark assures us that true freedom is possible. Sometimes, freedom from certain sins comes instantly when you place your faith in Christ, but oftentimes, freedom takes time. When sin has its grip on you, it will not let go easily. It takes prayer, strong intent, and accountability to break free, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, we are more than conquerors and will be set free.
The world holds many allures: fame, wealth, power, and pleasure, just to name a few. They all appeal to our God-given senses, but as Pastor Mark points out in this teaching, everything outside of God is fleeting. Without Christ, all of us are empty vessels, incomplete and dissatisfied with our lives, no matter how appealing they may seem from the outside.
Our world has seemingly infinite paths you can take. If you ask people about who Jesus is and how we get to heaven, you will get a lot of vague and less than satisfying answers. Jesus, however, left no room for error when He claimed to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As Pastor Mark will explain in this teaching, we desperately need light in our spiritual lives. The enemy loves to keep us in the dark, causing us to stumble along as we try to find an easy path, but when you find Jesus, He illuminates the darkness and makes your path clear.
As Jesus confronted the men aiming their stones at the adulteress woman, He spoke with astounding authority. According to their culture and the Law, these men held the right to take her life, but Jesus spoke the truth in power and opened their eyes to their own sinfulness. In this teaching, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus is not standing over you in condemnation but is actually standing up for you.
In this teaching, Pastor Mark leads us through the story of a woman caught in the act of adultery. Adultery is not a minor sin; it was punishable by death in those days. Many of us would have been among the stone-throwers. Humans are quick to judge others without considering their own faults. Jesus did not come to condemn, however. He came to save. He alone held the right to throw the first stone, as He alone was sinless, but He demonstrated grace and compassion instead.
When Jesus enters your heart, you’ll know it, and so will people around you. As His love frees you and transforms your sinful nature to be more like His, you will begin to move upriver against the current of our culture. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will continue His study through John by reminding us that we are set apart in Christ. Jesus’ message was countercultural in His day, so much so that the religious leaders put Him to death. If you plan to follow Him, you should expect similar resistance and persecution.
Our culture has strayed far from Christianity, but there is still a large portion of society who identify themselves as Christians, regardless of whether or not they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Many of them assume that by simply being “good enough” they will be accepted by God. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will address what taking the name of Christian means. Salvation only happens through confessing your sins, turning from them, and accepting Christ into your heart.
Have you ever been asked the question: “Who are you to tell me Jesus is the only way?” We face this kind of skepticism often in our world. The world seems to be tolerant of everything but Christianity. A better question would be: “Who are we to question the Word of God?” The Creator of the Universe Himself called Jesus His Son and said that He was the only way to salvation. While the gospel is often seen by the world as exclusive and condemning, it’s actually quite the opposite. Jesus calls all to Himself, but they first must confess their sins and repent.
All of us have struggles in following Jesus. While you may intend to die to your sinful nature after you get saved, in practice, you will find that dying to yourself is a process, not an instant transformation. In God’s eyes, you have been made perfect, but your daily life will still be riddled with human temptation. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will discuss the times when we are called to lovingly confront the destructive sins of others. By keeping your own weaknesses in mind, you will be able to judge others with gentleness and grace, in true righteous judgment.
Following Jesus is no popularity contest. Not that your goal should be to alienate yourself, but oftentimes, that is a natural byproduct of following the countercultural commands of our Savior. Your choice to follow Him will rub many people the wrong way. In this teaching, Pastor Mark challenges us to get off the fence when it comes to our spiritual commitment. It is natural to hesitate and hold back, but Jesus wants all of you. Commit your life entirely to Him.
Are you afraid to put all your weight on God? You may look like you are trusting Him, but in reality, you are holding yourself up a bit. If this is the case, you will be challenged by this teaching to place yourself wholly in the hands of God. You can rest in the confidence that His plan is perfect and good for you.
Getting kids to eat their vegetables is usually a difficult task unless, of course, they have an appetite for veggies. In the same way, the gospel cannot be forced down people’s throats. They are given free will to choose what to believe. Some will be receptive; others will completely reject it. In this teaching, we are reminded that although we constantly change, the truth remains the same. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Will you choose to follow him?
Jesus didn’t come so He could meet all our personal needs. He came to save the lost. In this teaching, we’ll learn about people grumbling against Jesus for not behaving according to their desires. Pastor Mark will ask us to examine our own walk with God to see if we are guilty of having that same attitude.
Sin is inevitable. No matter how hard you try, you will fall into sin and temptation. Thankfully, it is the Lord who washes you clean through His death on the cross. He will take your broken pieces and make them whole. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will remind you to examine your heart. Are your motives in the right place? Being a follower of Christ is so much more than listening to teachings and doing the right things. Your life will be transformed when you seek Jesus because of who He is.
What are your motives in following after Jesus? Do you truly desire to be in a relationship with Him or are you seeking signs and wonders? In this study, Jesus challenges the crowds as to why they are seeking Him. They sought after greater miracles, desiring to fill their stomachs, not know the Lord. Pastor Mark will challenge you to put aside your temporary desires in order to seek Jesus for who He is. The things of this world will fade away before you know it. Will you set your eyes on that which is eternal?
When you face a storm in life, are you quick to try and weather it alone? There is only so much we can do in our own strength. In this teaching, Pastor Mark reminds us that although we may not see or feel the Lord, we can rest knowing that He sees us and is ready to rescue us when we call upon His name. Just as Jesus came walking on the water when the disciples faced a storm, so He will come to you as you navigate through hard times.
Do you learn the hard way? Maybe as a child, your parents warned you to avoid a certain situation or behavior, but your curiosity led you straight to it. You probably realized your parents were right pretty quickly. The Bible tells us that the Lord allows us to weather storms in order to teach us something from them. In this teaching, Pastor Mark reminds us that we are not alone in the storm. Jesus is always with us, even when we cannot feel His presence.
The Bible is filled with metaphors that help us understand Biblical truths. As we look at the feeding of the five thousand, we can see Jesus using physical hunger to illustrate a spiritual need. Without proper nourishment, growth will not happen, whether physical or spiritual. In this teaching, Pastor Mark asks us to slow down enough to receive manna from heaven. He reminds us that without spiritual food our hearts will grow cold to the Lord. Are you running to the Bread of Life to receive satisfaction or are you running to the things of this world?
Are you currently facing a storm? You might feel like it’s too late to find healing, but no one is ever too far gone for God to bring restoration. It’s not too late to turn your heart back to Jesus. In this teaching, Pastor Mark teaches on the feeding of the five thousand. He explains that nothing is too big for God to handle. The timing may not be what you hoped for, but the Lord’s timing is far better than our plans. Will you put your hope and trust in the Lord today?
Are you more concerned with the opinion of your peers or the opinion of God? Oftentimes, it’s easier to focus on the here and now when it comes to the viewpoints of our friends and family and how they might perceive us. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will remind us to prioritize God’s opinion, instead of the opinion of those around us. As he continues his teaching on the four witnesses of Jesus, we can take a closer look at our motives. Are we living out our faith to look righteous in front of others or to bring glory to God?
What does it mean to be a witness for Christ? It’s a simple word, but it carries a lot of responsibility. God wants us to see and experience Him and then share and bear witness to the rest of the world. In this teaching, Pastor Mark will point out four witnesses of Jesus Christ and will remind us that the Lord does not need validation, as the Father in Heaven validates Him. Even so, we are called to be witnesses and to share the good news.
It's mind-boggling to fathom that Jesus is both fully human and fully God, not to mention the amount of love and grace He has for us. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach us about the coming judgment when Jesus will judge the living and the dead. We will all stand before Him, but what will our judgment be? Let's find out as Pastor Mark explains how our choices impact our coming judgment.
This life isn't a free for all, even though our anything-goes society might beg to differ! Yet despite the chaos in our world, as followers of Christ, we're commanded to submit to His authority and not to the whim of our flesh. Jesus said whoever hears the Word and believes the Father sent Him, will not come into judgment, but into everlasting life. That's just some of what we'll learn as Pastor Mark teaches us about The Oneness Of God.
Our world is broken. The sin brings on disease, death, broken relationships, hatred, the list literally goes on. With that in mind, sometimes the hardships we face are because of the fallen world we live in. Sometimes the hardships we face are due to our own sinful nature! Regardless, Pastor Mark will remind you God can bring healing. If you truly want to be made well, first, believe and take action based on what God's Word is telling you to do, and second, stop living in any habitual sin. If you're ready to make these life-changing steps, then you're ready to start living with No More Excuses!
Change can be intimidating and scary, even if it's for good. Changing can be met with excuses, and you can find yourself in paralysis by analysis and end up keeping yourself trapped. When it comes to the broken and sinful cycles of our lives, Pastor Mark will acknowledge we might be comfortable where we're at, but it's a false comfort that leaves us stagnant and maybe even separated from God. It comes down to obedience and totally trusting the Lord, and it all begins by making No More Excuses!
One of the worst emotions a parent can go through is thinking their child is dying and can't do a thing about it. The Bible shares a story about a man who didn't fully believe Jesus could heal his dying son. It's a desperate and difficult place to be. Pastor Mark will remind you that as you cry out to Jesus with those deep burdens and heartache, there's nothing too difficult to handle even if you don't have a clue where to begin. Begin by praying because God's plans and purposes are for us and not against us, and that should give you Hope!
What gives you hope? Who gives you hope? Do you put your hope in loved ones or in your possessions? Maybe you're hoping your next relationship will work for the long term? It really doesn't matter, because if you've been hoping like this long enough, you learn everyone and everything ends up disappointing you! This is in part, as Pastor Mark will remind you, that people are broken and sinful. The people we are and the things we create never create what we truly need. There's only one person to put your hope in, and that's Jesus. The premise is so simple and so is the title of today's teaching: Hope!
Vehicles that are serviced through regular maintenance schedules are usually pretty reliable and last a long time. The same way is with our physical and spiritual lives! The physical is obvious, but the spiritual way to stay healthy is to stay in a close relationship with Jesus. This comes by way of regular reading of your Bible and talking with Jesus through prayer. The wonderful byproduct of this type of behavior is not just a healthy life, but a life that wants to share Who you know! That's just some of what we'll learn as we continue our message entitled "Believing God's Word!"
There are countless ways to drink coffee. Whether it's hot, cold, cold brew, nitro, french pressed, straight black, or a pile of ingredients, you've got lots of choices! However, when it comes to the truths of the Bible, you can't pick and choose what works for you and what doesn't. Even though you might not like what the Bible has to say, it's not up for debate. Pastor Mark will urge you not to get caught up in the details, but accept God's Word regardless of your opinion or understanding. As you keep reading the Bible and continue keeping the faith, God's plan and purpose for you will become clear, when you're "Believing God's Word."
Life is like a marathon and not a sprint. There's plenty of road to travel that's filled with highs and lows, smooth spots and rough patches, high walls, and high temptations. Most of us start off well but need help to finish. It's easy for any of us to go off-road and then it gets really bad! OK, enough road metaphors. Here's the bottom line: Faith and trust in Jesus Christ are not only required at the moment of salvation but every day of our lives here on earth. If we don't look to Jesus for our "Satisfaction," then we're not only looking in the wrong place but we'll be facing regrets that will never bring satisfaction.
If someone gave you a million dollars, would that make you feel happy and satisfied? Absolutely! For a short time, you'd be extremely happy. However, those feelings would wane and the truth of our nature would come out. The people or the things of this world never truly satisfy. We'll hear about a woman that Jesus met at a well. She had been seeking satisfaction through husbands and that thirst was never quenched. Jesus was able to identify her deep spiritual need and show her the way to quenching that thirst. Pastor Mark will show us today that Jesus is the only way to true "Satisfaction."
Most of us can relate to having some dessert, and it was so good, that you went back for more. You just couldn't resist. You even put limits on how much you would have but kept eating more anyway! No, this isn't a teaching on weight loss or even a loss of control. This is about satisfaction. There are some things in life that can only be satisfied by God. When it comes to where we place our hope for eternal life, only Jesus can give us that satisfying rest that completes us. Pastor Mark will explain further as we go further into the "Principles of Evangelism" when we Come To The Table!
Someone's background or ethnicity did not determine if Jesus would talk with them. He shared the truth and the truth of Himself with anyone who had "ears to hear." What a good example He has set for us when the opportunity to share the gospel presents itself! Jesus had to stretch the disciples to get to this point, and He wants to stretch you to become open and willing to be His witness with those you meet. Pastor Mark will remind you that God will give you whatever you need through His Holy Spirit to do just that. Those are just some of the "Principles of Evangelism" we'll learn about today when we Come To The Table!
If you've ever compared your gifts and talents to others around you, maybe it came with the question "why isn't God using me more?" Does it seem that one is more spirit-filled than the other? Perhaps all good questions to ask, but the one Pastor Mark will pose today is: "Is there sin in my life that is hindering the work of God's Holy Spirit?" Such a hindrance would definitely answer the other questions! That's just some of what we'll discuss as we keep remembering "It's All About Jesus!"
All of us are susceptible to becoming jealous of other people's talents or the success of their ministries because it's in our nature to be competitive and comparative. It shouldn't be about who's doing a better job serving God, but everyone working toward the same goal. Pastor Mark will remind you today that the goal is to be faithful in whatever God has called you to do and to be happy for the success of other ministries. As Christians, we're all on the same team because "It's All About Jesus!"
As light represents the truth and exposes sin in your life, so darkness represents evil and tries to keep sin hidden. There's a pull for many people to love the darkness instead of living in the light of truth. Living a lifestyle of sin will often lead people toward hatred of the truth, and ultimately, hatred of Jesus. Pastor Mark will explain that Jesus came to bring light into this dark world for two reasons; to expose evil and bring hope. And considering that we're all "Born Condemned," that is good news to hear!
When sharing Jesus with someone, do you find yourself pressuring them to believe or even getting angry because they don't believe? Remember Jesus didn't force Himself on anyone. He simply shared the truth and left it up to the person if they wanted to follow Him or not. That's really the best way because yelling and screaming at someone in an effort to make them understand is only going to make matters worse. We must always approach sharing Jesus with grace, truth, and love because we're all "Born Condemned."
It's hard to understand how some Christians can believe that Jesus is their Savior, but don't believe in the Bible as God wrote it. They create their own meaning for passages they deem too difficult to understand. They'll try to explain things with science or an unbiblical rationale because the Bible is just too far-fetched to be true. However, even Jesus used earthly things to explain spiritual things, and used other ways to communicate. This was necessary because many had a hardness of heart and were spiritually dead. However a life surrendered to Jesus will change all that, which is why "You Must Be Born Again!"
Some might think God is narrow-minded or even mean for allowing only one way to Heaven. Some still believe there is more than one way to Eternal Life. Pastor Mark will confirm that it doesn't matter how many religious acts you do or do good works...nothing...no one...no where...no way...is having their sins forgiven and being reunited with the Father except by way of Jesus. It was hard to understand for many in our Lord's day and even still today, but the only way to get to Heaven is "You Must Be Born Again."
Many have said they don't like going to church because all the church wants is their money. While it's sadly true that some churches take advantage of people, God doesn't want your money, God wants your heart. Where your heart goes, there your money and your time and your devotion will follow. This is true in life, let alone the church. The religious leaders were definitely taking advantage of the people by making them for certain rituals or regulations that benefit them personally. Jesus did not take kindly to this abuse, something Pastor Mark will elaborate on as our study on "Jerusalem, Jesus and the Temple of Doom" continues today when we Come To The Table!
To see Jesus angry, flipping over tables and using a whip to drive out the self-serving from a sacrificial temple must have been a sight to see! However, some have used this account to say that Jesus couldn't have done that and not sinned! The Bible does say not to sin in your anger, but we end up sinning in our anger because our anger is selfish. Pastor Mark will explain why Jesus did not sin, as he shares the difference between righteous anger and sinful anger. You'll also learn how you may be sinning in your emotional responses and how you can turn it around to do something good for God. That's just some of the good that will come out of "Jerusalem, Jesus and the Temple of Doom" as we Come To The Table!
The statistics from research bear out what we know spiritually: Wealth or fame without God coming first will leave us unfulfilled and even depressed. Most think having lots of money or accolades would satisfy, but it never will. Most who do have lots of wealth or fame end up asking if this is all there is. Maybe thinking if I just had a little more wealth or fame, THEN I would be happy. The truth is, there's nothing on this earth that is of this earth that will bring you true and lasting fulfillment. Pastor Mark will explain true joy and happiness can only be found in Jesus. That's the message in the midst of the miracle of "Turning Water Into Wine" we'll see today as we Come To The Table!
Whether it's the Pharisees of Jesus' day or today, people make up their own set of ritualistic regulations to appear religious. However if anyone promotes a rule that's not found in the Bible, then it's from man and not from God. Pastor Mark will warn us to watch out for people who are adding to God's Word. Just because someone says Christians should (fill in the blank), doesn't mean it's Biblical. Go to the Bible for yourself and see what God wants you to do, then make the choice to do what He says. We'll see this more clearly as we watch Jesus "Turn Water Into Wine."
A marital relationship that keeps God at the center, is like a rope made of 3 cords. Neither one is not easy to break. There's no greater thing in a marriage than having your hearts set on Jesus and putting your hope in Him together. He'll greatly bless you, as long as you keep Him in the middle of your relationship. It's not guaranteed to be easy, but God will always be there to lean on and place your trust in. Remember that marriage is God's design, and it all begins with "The Perfect Wedding."
Most don't realize that God's design for marriage is in part to provide an earthly representation of a spiritual union between Jesus and the church. Pastor Mark will go over the marriage relationship between man and woman and how it connects to the marriage relationship between Christ and the church. The goal is two hearts coming together as one, longing to grow in their relationship with God first. It's not guaranteed to be easy, but it's a choice for you to make if you want "The Perfect Wedding."
When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He called the disciples to leave what they were doing and follow Him. He extends the same call to you today. Jesus even let His disciples do what they loved, just in a different way. To the fishermen, He said to become fishers of men. What do you love to do that you could use to God's glory and point people to Him? Are you using the skills and talents God has blessed you with to be a blessing to others? Taking all that you are and using it all for Him is definitely "A Call To Follow!"
When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He called the disciples to leave what they were doing and follow Him. He extends the same call to you today. Maybe the call isn't quitting your current job and entering into ministry full time, but maybe it's serving at your church or some way in your community. Either way, when He gives you a particular concern in your heart for ministry and couples that with a commitment to see it through, then you know you have "A Call To Follow!"
While God desires for everyone to surrender their life to Jesus to be their Lord and Savior, what is YOUR desire for surrendering your life to Christ? If you're deciding to live for Him, is it for the right purpose? John the Baptist knew God in an intimate way, and that intimacy motivated him to live for Jesus, declare Jesus and not hold back. Is your motivation for living a Christian life born out of an intimate relationship with Jesus?
One of the benefits of being trained by God in the wilderness was John the Baptist knew his source of strength was God, his hope was in God, so he was able to always give God the glory. Pastor Mark will share the same message today, and remind you God wants to declare Him with your actions and your words. Are you so confident in your faith, that you're willing to go out and talk to everyone you can about Him?
The religious leaders of Jesus' day were focused on the flesh, emphasized rituals, and put themselves in a position of lordship over the people. From the midst of this spiritual death comes a guy straight out of the wilderness, trained by God to be unafraid of these religious leaders, so that he could lead the people to Jesus, the one who brings everlasting life. See the wisdom of God in how He trained up John, so you can seek the same sanctification, knowing you don't have to be John The Baptist to be used by God as "A Voice In The Wilderness!"
John The Baptist was trained by God in the Wilderness for a special type of witness. God would use John to call out and convict the religious leaders of his day, who were more focused on the practice of their religion instead of a relationship with a forgiving God. The news that John preached is still the same for anyone lost today: Turn from your sin and turn to Jesus. Let's find out how God used "A Voice In The Wilderness!"
A true witness that's living totally surrendered to God will leave no one to wonder where their hope is, and they'll share with anyone how they can have that same hope. Pastor Mark will remind you that it's not just by our actions but by our words that you'll bear witness to Jesus and His goodness. God moves in amazing ways through His kids, and He wants to use you to show them, that HOPE is free, and HOPE is eternal!
Once you've made the decision to accept Jesus as your Savior and follow Him as your Lord, He wants you to share this good news, because there's a lot of hurting people who desperately need what you now know. But knowing this is only the first part. Living by example and living by sharing go hand in hand. This is demonstrated in John the baptist as we continue exploring our message entitled "Jesus Our God - John His Witness!"
When you hear the Gospel message, you're left with a choice to either accept it and follow the path God has provided, or ignore it and choose your own path. Pastor Mark will remind you today that this choice is not a one-time event, but a life of continual choices to abide in Him and live out His will for our lives.
Bible teachers often get more credit than they deserve, which is why it's important to remember we're seeing their faithfulness on display. Whether it's a pastor sharing or another Christian, it's always God who will get the glory because He's the source of their strength. Pastor Mark reminds us today that being a good steward of the gifts God gives you, is to let God use them for His glory, not for yours. You're simply the vessel through which God wants to work through to bless those around you. That becomes clearer as we examine "Jesus, A Witness To The Light!"
Satan, evil, and sin are a darkness that's all around you. Sometimes it seems endless and overwhelming. Can you relate? However, darkness isn't something we need to settle for, because there is another option. Light. There is HOPE in the light of the world, Jesus Christ! Just like turning on the light in a dark room, opening your heart to Jesus is forcing darkness to flee as you accept His light through His saving grace. If your perspective is one of darkness and pessimism, be prepared to have that perspective changed as we continue looking at "Jesus Magnified - Creator, Life-Giver, and Light of the World!"
Everything you see, touch, and experience has its origin in God. For example, many things have been made by human hands, but who made those hands? Who created the materials used to build that car, computer, furniture, and the list goes on. Pastor Mark will discuss this further, including how amazing YOU are, all thanks to your Creator! This all comes into better focus as we see "Jesus Magnified - Creator, Life-Giver and Light of the World!"
Today we begin a new verse by verse study through the book of John! Each gospel presents a different side to Jesus, and John highlights Jesus as the Son of God, giving us some of the most insightful truths about God and our salvation. Today we'll be taking away how we've defined God based on our limited understanding and learning who He actually is. Let your heart and mind be open to the fact that in the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God!
Today we begin a new verse by verse study through the book of John! Each gospel presents a different side to Jesus, and John highlights Jesus as the Son of God, giving us some of the most insightful truths about God and our salvation. However, the question we all have to answer is, who do YOU say Jesus is? Contemplate that as Pastor Mark shows us "Jesus Magnified as Almighty God and the Word!"