Come To The Table

True and full surrender to God can make all the world of difference when it comes to your faith walk. God can do whatever He wants, but He still gives us the space and the opportunity to choose Him. He will never force anything. He will always give you the choice to obey and to walk with HIM! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to invite God into your life! Allow God to truly rule and reign over all your decisions, over your mindset, and over all you do! When you surrender to God, there is nothing that can stop Him from blessing your life beyond your imagination!

God isn't limited in any way by any means. There isn't anything that can put parameters or even understanding on the ways of God. He is outside of what any person could imagine, control, or tame. The Lord's ways and His thought process are far greater and more powerful than what a human could comprehend. In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that God is outside of the natural; He isn't confined by human nature as you and I are. He is supernatural, meaning everything He does is done without the worries and limited understanding that you and I have to live and make decisions based on.

The unfortunate reality is that God does allow hard times to come our way. He does. The reason He does so is to grow our faith and trust in Him. It is so detrimental to our growth as Christians that we trust God to come to our rescue, whether it be physical protection or mental peace during turmoil. In today's message, Pastor Mark will share a little bit of how God came through for him when he trusted His guidance. God will show up; He never leaves His children alone or abandoned. So, whatever you may be going through, remember that God is with you always and will save you in your time of need!

Just like we'll see with Hezekiah, God sometimes allows difficult things to happen so His faithfulness can shine through! God uses hardships to shape us and to reveal His goodness to us and to those who witness what is happening. Our lives, including the ups and downs, are a testament to God's goodness! In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that when people question or challenge your beliefs, God will back you 100% of the time! When hard times come, and they will come, people will ask where your God is, and the way you allow God to shape you will be proof of His love and faithfulness!!!

The world can be a scary place; lots of things happen that can be detrimental to our way of life and to our peace. But the Lord says not to be fearful! There is no reason to fear the things of this world, because He is always in control and His plan will come to fruition! God remains in control no matter what happens!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you through whatever it is you may be facing. God is in control! There is no reason to fear any disasters because God is the god of peace and protection! If you've accepted Jesus, there is a place for you in heaven; death isn't in your future!!!

Preaching the Word and sharing the Gospel isn't about sharing your opinions or viewpoints. Sharing about Jesus is about sharing about Jesus. Nothing more, and surely nothing less. Anytime you get the chance to hear or share about Jesus, you should always fact-check with the Word of God! In today's message, Pastor Mark will share that you should even fact-check what he preaches. You shouldn't take any pastor's word for it; you should always check with the Bible and see what truth is and what may be an opinion. There is no mistaking the Bible, so make sure you know the Word, so you can share the Word!

What does it mean to fear God? Are we supposed to live in fear of being struck down because of our sins? No! In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that fearing God is a respect and understanding of reverence for the creator of the universe! It is knowing who He is and what He is capable of! Fearing the Lord isn't supposed to make us live an anxious life; it is supposed to keep us humble. Yes, at any moment God can stick us down. But, because of what Jesus did, we can live in right standing with God! We are forgiven from ALL our sins and can live holy by the blood of Jesus Christ!

How often do you find yourself being generous or going out of your way to serve someone else? Is it daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly? The Bible tells us that God loves a humble and generous servant! God wants to bless and honor the righteous person so they can overflow onto all people!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that God isn't a vending machine. You can't put in good works and get blessings and good fortune out. God wants your heart to be honest and humble, and that person, He will bless beyond their imagination! So, how can you humbly serve someone else today?

Have you heard about the Passover festival that the Israelites celebrate? The whole idea revolved around the blood of the lamb that was applied to their house doors, and that's what kept the folks inside their homes safe from the death angel's visit. It represents how the wrongdoings of the people are hidden away by the sacrifice of the innocent. Have you ever thought about how this mirrors what Jesus did to save you? Today, Pastor Mark shares how Jesus saved you by laying down His life on the cross for your sins. Thanks to His sacrifice, when the heavenly Father sees you, He sees righteousness shining through!

Ever notice how, when your to-do list is overflowing, your brain just kind of hits the pause button? It's like a little mental vacation, isn't it? When you finally get home, you feel completely drained and a bit fed up. Yet, when you drift off to sleep at night, you might find that you wake up with a burst of fresh thoughts and creative ideas. Finding refuge in God feels quite similar. Today, Pastor Mark shares some insights on how God can bring you rest and rejuvenation. With Jesus by your side, you'll find a fresh strength to tackle your challenges head-on. Regardless of the hardships the enemy tosses in your direction, victory will be yours!

The way sin impacts us can be quite intense, leading us to search for a clever workaround to take advantage of. One of those tricky ideas is thinking that God will just forgive me no matter what, so I can keep doing my thing and then just ask for forgiveness later. Hey, have you thought about how your actions might come back to you down the road? Today, Pastor Mark has an important message for you about steering clear of a sinful life. It might feel like those tempting urges are beyond your control. But Jesus is there to help you push back against your sinful nature and keep it from taking control of your life. 

There's this ongoing conversation about creation and evolution that just keeps getting more interesting. Scientists are really determined to show that evolution is the journey that shaped us into the humans we are today. So, what's the deal with some real evidence? Looks like they don't have it, huh? On the flip side, creation really gets its due, not only from a biblical angle but also from a scientific viewpoint. In today's message, Pastor Mark dives into a lively discussion about creation versus evolution, sharing his thoughts on why he believes creation holds more weight than evolution. You've been crafted in the very image of God!

As you read in the Bible, you'll find plenty of connections between yourself and the people from the Old Testament. Just like you, they were a bit puzzled by the book of Revelation, too. The final book of the Bible definitely has a way of capturing our interest, doesn't it? Have you ever thought about how God wants to share the secrets of the world's final days through that book? In today's message, Pastor Mark dives into the fascinating world of the book of Revelation and why it's so crucial to understand its meaning. The Holy Spirit is here to guide you in grasping what's inside the book. God definitely wants you to know!

With everything going on in the world—the crimes, the chaos—it's hard not to pause and think about why God seems to be taking his sweet time with the judgment, right? The world seems to be overflowing with negativity, filled with sin, hatred, and violence all around us. What do you think God is waiting for? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares insights on why God seems to be taking His time with the judgment period. He wants everyone to have the chance to hear the gospel, because He's a fair and just God. He would make sure that no one had to face judgment without first giving them a chance to find salvation. 

You've probably caught those Jurassic films, right? When you gaze at a dinosaur, it's hard not to ponder the reality of these incredible creatures, isn't it? Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about the closest thing to a dinosaur? Today, Pastor Mark looks into the topic of the Leviathan. In the Bible, Leviathan emerges as a colossal sea creature, striking fear into the hearts of other marine life with its immense size, often depicted as a fearsome dragon. Isn't it fascinating how Satan gets compared to a Leviathan? It embodies that sense of terror. But don't worry, God's got everything under control!

According to the Bible, those of us who believe in Jesus will receive a new body once the judgment period wraps up. But did you know it also talks about those who didn't pick Jesus? Pretty interesting, right? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the fascinating topic of the resurrection of our bodies. If you believe in Jesus, you'll get a glorified body—something totally transformed and different from what you have now! However, for those who turned away from Christ, a different kind of body awaits them—one designed to endure the relentless flames of hell for all eternity. So, which one are you thinking about picking up?

Imagine you're stuck in a tiny, dark room, no light, no room to stretch your legs. It would be pure torture, right? So, picture this: what would it really be like to find yourself in that bottomless pit from the Bible? Just picture it: even the demons are too scared to set foot inside, so you can only guess the sheer terror of being locked up in that place. Today, Pastor Mark tells you about the Abyss, sharing insights on how Satan and his followers will ultimately find their place there. When the judgment period wraps up, it won't just be Lucifer and his crew heading there; those who turned their backs on Christ will join them, too! 

Well, it seems like there's a big reckoning coming for the world, doesn't it? The signs are all around us, with pollution and global warming taking centre stage as the main culprits. It feels like a message from above, doesn't it? So, as a believer, do you ever find yourself concerned about getting caught up in that chaos, too? Today, Pastor Mark is diving into a fascinating topic: the event known as the rapture! When the time of judgment arrives for the world, Jesus will return and gather the church, bringing all the believers of Christ along with Him to heaven. No need to stress about what's ahead; everything is in God's hands!

You might have noticed that our planet's environment is gradually heading towards a state of degradation and destruction. Have you ever thought about global warming and pollution, and all those other things that contribute to it? Well, what if I told you there's a divine hand behind it all? Have you ever thought about why God might choose to destroy the world? In today's message, Pastor Mark dives into the reasons behind the environmental changes you're witnessing and what they mean for you from a spiritual perspective. It's just God's way of showing judgment on the people and their pretend deities.

There are times when God's presence in your life can be overwhelmingly real.  You're certain of His love for you; His will for your life is clear, and you have no doubt of His Providential care.  And then there can be other times, when things don't seem to be as simple.  God may seem distant.  What has happened? Today, Pastor Mark suggests that God may allow dry times to come into your life for a good reason.  He doesn't want you to trust in Him only when things are going great.  He wants you to experience His care during those tough seasons as well.  And that's when you know you really love Him for Who He Is, not just for what He does.

“Eat, drink, and be merry”.  Most people probably don't say it quite so obviously, but their overarching rule of life is to think about what they want – today.  Everything in this world is designed to keep your attention fixed on the NOW.  And especially, don't worry about what may come after this life. Today, Pastor Mark shows that this present world culture isn't really anything new.  And he illustrates it with an incident that happened to an overconfident king named Belshazzar*.  What's your focus?  Yes, take care of what you need to in this present world.  But always keep your vision locked steadfastly upon God. 

People today have a lot of different ideas about the Bible.  Those who haven't read it think it's just a bunch of outdated laws and rules.  Some people have a dislike for it because it doesn't keep up with the changes they'd like to make in the culture.  It may sometimes be intimidating to say that you believe it's the Word of God. Today, Pastor Mark shows that doubting God's Word is not just a modern invention.  During the time of Isaiah, as well as the time of Christ, a lot of people didn't take too kindly to the words of the prophets.  But when you put your trust in the Word of God, it doesn't matter what other people say; you're looking for His approval.  

The industry and infrastructure of our planet are pretty amazing. The articles you buy are literally manufactured all over the world.  You can go to the grocery store and buy food from every inhabited continent.  Your house has electricity; your car has gas; and you even have a cell phone.  What could go wrong? Today, Pastor Mark reminds us that, although humans seem to have complete control of the earth, that's not exactly true!  God has given us minds and hands to create.  But one day, God will show us that He rules over everything we've made.  Isn't it wonderful that He's got the whole world, including your life, in His Hands?

When you look at all of the religions in the world, it can sometimes feel discouraging.  Even two thousand years after Christ's time on earth, there are many who do not believe in Him.  Some haven't heard of Him.  Others have heard but have rejected Him.  And there are many people who are outright hostile. Today, Pastor Mark assures us that God has everything exactly under His control.  What has happened in the past has occurred according to His will.  And He holds the future as assuredly as He holds the past.  Most importantly for you, you can be confident that He's in complete control of whatever is going on in your life.

Sometimes our perceptions of God can be quite distorted.  Some people see Him as a stern task-master who's trying to keep them in line.  Others see Him as a kind of “Force” – distant and impersonal.  But when we read the Bible, we see an abundance of descriptions of God that show He's eminently personal. Today, Pastor Mark describes both God's sternness in justice and His compassion in mercy.  The characteristics that you see in Jesus during His earthly life are the human expressions of Who God Is.  You can relate to God personally, because He created you personally, and you are made in His Image.

If you've ever looked at a map of the modern-day Middle East and wondered where the names came from, the history can be both fascinating and enlightening.  Did you know that “Palestine” is actually just a different spelling of “Philistine”?  And yet, there aren't any actual descendants of the Philistines living there. Today, Pastor Mark takes you on a journey through the history of the Middle East.  All of the countries and peoples you've read about in the Bible can be mapped onto current national boundaries.  And there are messages for you in each people-group.  Messages of family, and messages of mercy.

Who would you say that people in our culture worship?  It may be the political leaders whom they believe will make our country better.  Maybe it's the technologists who are making our lives easier.  A lot of people worship movie stars, or rock stars, or star athletes.  Some just worship their own prosperity and popularity. Today, Pastor Mark describes an incredibly glorious creation of God.  Surely, this “being” would be happy to be in the place God had put him.  But no, Satan wasn't satisfied.  He wanted equality with God.  You might want to thank God that He didn't make you more awesome than you are.  It might not have turned out much better.

If you were to try to imagine the worst possible sin that any being could commit, what would you come up with?  Certainly, there have been some horrific crimes committed throughout our planet's history.  Dictators have killed millions.  Serial murderers have taken dozens of lives.  What could possibly be worse? Today, Pastor Mark describes the ultimate sin.  And that's the attempt to become equal to God.  It was first committed by that “being” whom we call Satan.  And he's been tempting humans to do the same, ever since Adam and Eve in the Garden.  But you have someone more powerful than him: the Lord Jesus Christ!

It's not hard to look around at the world and see that it's filled with evil.  We see it internationally; we see it in our country; and we see it in our own hearts.  We might wonder: Why is God letting this happen?  Does He not care?  Is He not in charge of the universe?  It can be baffling and frustrating to think about. Today, Pastor Mark will set your concerns at ease.  Yes, God does care.  Yes, He is in control.  And yes, He will take action.  God has a plan for how He will bring His justice to the earth.  Whether or not you can know every single detail, you can know what's of final importance: God is faithful, and His Word is trustworthy.

What an incredible day that will be when the pain of this world is gone, and we get to walk the streets of gold praising our Father in heaven. If you have ever experienced the feeling of worshipping alongside thousands of believers at a conference, you know just a little glimpse of that future that waits for you. Today, Pastor Mark will tell you about all the things prophesied in Isaiah that you have to look forward to after the events of Revelation. As a Christian, you will get to experience the glory of God and Jesus as you spend eternity living free from the heartache and pain of this world. What a glorious day that will be!

Parents, you know that one of the hardest things to do is discipline your children. The cliché saying, “This hurts me more than it hurts you,” is so true. It breaks your heart to see them doing wrong, and it breaks your heart again to punish them, knowing that their pain or anger is because of you. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that the way that you feel when disciplining your child is how God feels when He has to correct Israel and the Church. He doesn't love to do it, but He loves you so much that He does it anyways. When you feel the sting of God's hand, know He loves you and wants what's best.

We were not made to walk through this difficult life alone. Often, it throws us into circumstances where we need to seek wisdom from those with more experience or confide in those who are trustworthy. It's tempting to view life as a solo mission, but it's really better off as a team experience. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that when life has gotten too challenging to tackle on your own, why not confide in Jesus? Isaiah calls Him Wonderful Counselor after all! Jesus can give you all the answers you seek, and will provide the wisdom you're after… so trust His words.

The Day of the Lord is near. We've heard this for centuries, as far back as the Old Testament prophets. But someday, it will literally come to pass, and doesn't it seem like maybe it's getting close? Pastor Mark encourages us today that the thought of Jesus returning should bring joy to our hearts!  After all, isn't this the reason we believe in our Savior? He came to make a way for sinners to be reunited with their heavenly Father. One day, He will return and reign on this earth. What a privilege it would be to be part of the generation that is taken up in the clouds. Each day brings us closer to this glorious promise.  

 In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that Ahaz's warning from God is the same warning to us. We need to believe God's Word, stand firm in His truth, and trust that He will establish us. When we doubt and waver, it allows fear to enter our minds, and we make choices based on fear rather than faith. We also see in this section of Isaiah that Ahaz's heart was far from the Lord. Ironically, God chooses whomever He wants as leaders, despite what they believe or how they live. Isn't it the same with us, though? God can use us, despite our weaknesses, doubts, and shortcomings. Are you willing? 

If you're a Christian, there's a point in time when you made a decision to follow the Lord. You were dead in your sins, and then instantly you were saved. This is the miracle of Christianity and the outcome of Jesus' death on the cross for you. You had no way to save yourself, and so God made a way! Today, Pastor Mark encourages you that being broken before the Lord is essential for empathy. If you haven't embraced your need for a Savior and the reality that you're a sinner, how can you share the Gospel with any conviction? You need to embrace the depth of your need, then you will be a powerful example to others.  

It's hard to sit by and watch the evil that reigns in this world. Wicked men hold seats of power, while the righteous are disenfranchised and pushed to the margins. When you take a stand for the truth, compassion, and love of Christ, you can expect to be oppressed from all sides. When will this wicked age come to an end and our Savior return to bring us home? As Pastor Mark will encourage us in today's message, while the darkness we're living through will get worse before it gets better, we have hope in the promises of Christ. The wicked may rule in this world, but this is just a blink of an eye in the scope of eternity.  

We don't like to take responsibility or bear the consequences of our own actions. We use our God-given creativity to come up with some whoppers of excuses and justifications for behavior that is blatantly rebellious against God's design for us. And then when the pain and suffering come, we still have the nerve to question how a loving God could allow these things to happen.  As Pastor Mark will point out in today's message, while we all endure the pain of living in a broken world, most of us can find a lot of good in the lives God's blessed us with. He shows us grace in ways we often can't see until we're looking back years later.

Respect is a cornerstone; without it, things crumble. Today, Pastor Mark points to a troubling sign in America, echoing Israel's past. A nation straying from God shows it when even children disrespect those in authority, like parents or elders. God takes this seriously, making it one of His Ten Commandments. When children are cursing adults, it signals a deeper rebellion under God's judgment. Restoring respect starts with turning back to Him. God can renew a heart or a nation that honors what He values. It's a call to rebuild what's been lost. How can you foster respect in your life to reflect God's values?

Living righteously is like tending a garden; it takes effort to nurture what's good. Today, Pastor Mark delivers a bold call from Isaiah's message: Repent. America, its leaders, pastors, and each of us must turn from sin. Straying from God's Word demands a return to righteousness. Repentance isn't just regret; it's action. Learning to do good, seek justice, stand against oppressors, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. God can restore when you choose His path. This call echoes from Isaiah's start to finish. Turning back means caring for the vulnerable and doing what's right.

What does it look like when a nation faces God's judgment? In today's message, Pastor Mark draws parallels between Isaiah's time and America today. Just as Israel faced consequences for straying, America may be entering a season of divine judgment. These signs aren't hidden; they stand out clearly. God's judgment isn't about destruction but a call to turn back to Him. His correction aims to restore, not condemn. God can guide a nation or a heart back to righteousness. Facing judgment means facing His love, too. Staying faithful in such times keeps you anchored. How do you hold onto faith when judgment is near?

Sharing faith can be like planting seeds in a garden you may never see bloom. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that people coming to the Lord isn't a simple process. It could be years of prayers, conversations, and seeds planted by many. One plants, another waters, and someone else reaps the harvest.  When you share the gospel, you might plant a seed, water it, or see someone ready to receive the Lord. That's God's call, not yours. God can work through your efforts when they're guided by the Holy Spirit. Your job is to share and trust Him with the outcome. How do you stay faithful in planting seeds of faith?

Understanding Jesus is like piecing together a mosaic; every part matters. Today, Pastor Mark emphasizes that the Old Testament reveals the fullness of Jesus in the New Testament. You need the whole Bible to be a whole Christian. Leaving out any part of Scripture is like leaving out part of Jesus Himself. Some might say they doubt portions of the Bible, but that's questioning Jesus, the living Word. Every page points to Him, shaping a complete faith. God can open your eyes to see Jesus across all Scripture, not just the parts with His physical body. Choosing the whole Bible means choosing all of Jesus.

What can grow from the ashes of a shattered life? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares how God turned an island's ruin from a volcanic explosion into beauty. Your life might feel like it's exploded, leaving nothing but destruction. But God can take those very ashes and transform them into something amazing. You may think there's no way for restoration. But the ruin you see isn't the end; it's where God's work can begin. Like a master artist, He reshapes brokenness into beauty beyond your imagination. Trusting Him turns despair into hope. Do you see God working through your life's ruins to create something new?

Faith is like an anchor holding steady in a blinding storm. Today, Pastor Mark paints a vivid picture of Paul's ordeal, lost in a storm so fierce it blocked sight for 14 days. Panic set in; they tossed essential gear just to survive, fearing for their lives. Yet, even in that chaos, Paul was in the safest place - God's will. When you're where God calls you, no storm can destroy you. God can keep you secure, even when fear screams otherwise. It's not about calm seas but trusting His purpose in the tempest. His plan holds you through the worst. How do you find peace in God's will when life's storms rage around you?

What do you hold onto when hope feels out of reach? In today's message, Pastor Mark reflects on Paul's story, where even strong believers like Luke lost hope in a storm. Even the greatest men and women of faith have faced doubt. David himself pleaded, Lord, remember I'm only dust. God knows your weaknesses and hears you in your struggle. There's no shame in faltering; it's about turning back to Him. God can meet you in your doubt, strengthening your faith when you cry, “Help my unbelief.” You might be small, but you're still seen by Him. How do you turn to God when doubt creeps in?

Life can feel like a storm, scattering pieces of your world like a shipwreck. Today, Pastor Mark speaks to those feeling broken or tempted toward dangerous waters. If your life's in pieces, there's hope to rebuild through prayer. If the enemy's luring you, now's the time to turn back. Temptation always leads to storms. God can guide you to safer shores, away from destruction. Don't let the pull of excitement steer you wrong. His strength helps you reset your course. Believers fall when they ignore the warning; turn back to Him. What steps can you take to help steer clear of temptation's dangerous and often enticing pull?

I've heard it said that “close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades,” and I can't help but think of that here as well. God hasn't called us to a “partial repentance” or a half-hearted trust in the work of Christ on the Cross. Salvation is an all-or-nothing commitment, and there are many people who just don't get it.

There are arguments made against the validity of the Bible constantly. This is not a new “field of study” created by modern intellectuals, but has, in fact, existed since the resurrection of Jesus! When the disciples first started building the Church, there were immediately challenges made to the validity of their claims! We must remember that all of the knowledge in the world won't convince someone to come to a personal relationship with Jesus. It almost is never an intellectual issue, but rather a heart issue. In today's message, pastor Mark will break down this idea, going further with how we can apply this to our lives today.

I think it's so beautiful that God designed people with such precision and intent. Mothers can recognize the cry of their baby amongst others, and children, even in the womb, will recognize their mother's voice. As someone who has not had children yet, I know I would struggle to recognize the cry of one kid in a group! In today's word, pastor Mark teaches how God speaks with intent to each of us in different moments. We may choose whether or not we listen to what God has to share with us, but we should be aware that He is always speaking to us in some manner. Consider how you might pay attention to His voice today.

The American South is known for a lot of things, some good and some bad. “The Bible Belt” encompasses a bit of both. Many folks grew up in and around churches, if they grew up in this region, which is great, if you consider that they had exposure to the Bible! However, exposure is not indicative of a saving faith. Growing up in the United States, I understand the “cultural Christianity” that is so prevalent in this nation. In today's message, pastor Mark addresses this phenomenon and warns that we ought not to settle for this simple or weak idea of Christianity, but we ought to press deeper and look for genuine faith.

The Bible says, “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” While this passage addresses parenting specifically, it's visible how consequences for actions can help train up both individuals and societies to be well-mannered and cooperative. The lack of these consequences, however, often leads to chaos and destruction. In today's message, pastor Mark highlights how, despite his innocence, Paul was willing to submit himself to a full trial and inspection before multiple governing bodies and authorities. May this message encourage us to live lives that are able to be laid before others so that they may see the grace and glory of God.