Come To The Table

Opposition to the advancement of God's Word always follows revival and movements of God. Satan, the enemy, doesn't want to lose more people doomed to hell with him. He wants them to serve him and ultimately have the same judgment he does. When God moves, so does Satan. You need to be ready for it. In today's message, Pastor Mark will warn you to be on the lookout for Satan's opposition. Living out your faith isn't guaranteed to be a walk in the park, and Satan will do what he can to make sure of that. But if your hope is in the Lord for salvation, and you keep your heart focused on His will, you have nothing to fear.

Opposition will eventually come when you commit your life to serving God. Satan won't just sit by and idly watch people be saved without doing something to interfere. It might be big, it might be small, but he moves wherever God moves. Your heart needs to be ready for those times when they come. Today, Pastor Mark is going to prepare you for the times of the enemy's attacks. They usually come when it will hurt the most, but it's not the end. Make sure you soften your heart to God's Word and harden it toward sin, and keep your focus on serving God and doing His Will. He can bring good out of anything.

There is always hope while you're still breathing – you can be saved simply by placing your trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. But, as Pastor Mark will warn in today's message, it doesn't get easier as you get older. The more you resist His invitation and say “no” to the offer Jesus extended on the cross, the more likely you are to continue down that path. You do not want to continue to put off this decision. None of us knows the time we have. Many don't get the luxury of knowing when they'll enter eternity. It could be decades, or it could be a matter of hours from now. Eternity is not something to gamble with.

Have you ever talked with a devout member of the Mormon church or perhaps a Jehovah's Witness? They may offer some of the most challenging conversations you'll have in sharing the Gospel. They often have very strong convictions and a comprehensive understanding of their own religion, along with a playbook for every argument you may try to present. As Pastor Mark will point out in today's message, Paul faced a similar challenge, likely even harder, as he confronted his fellow Jews with the Gospel. They were very stubborn in their beliefs and had strongly rooted convictions about the expected Messiah. 

Before you start going around examining others' lives, it's important that you dedicate time to some honest introspection. What kind of fruit are you bearing? Would the people around you say that they see Jesus in your words, actions, and attitudes? If you're following Him, you won't live a perfect life, but your life should demonstrate a trend of growth in the fruits of His Spirit. As Pastor Mark continues our study in the book of Acts today, he'll challenge us to be bold in our love for the people around us. When you humbly approach them, allow the Spirit to provide discernment, as you seek to draw them closer to Christ.

In a battle, the element of surprise brings a massive advantage to the attacking party. Even an outnumbered, outgunned force significantly increases its chances of victory if its enemy is caught off guard. As Pastor Mark will warn us in today's message, we're entrenched in a spiritual battle, and it's crucial that we're alert and ready for the attacks of the enemy. Our enemy loves to lull us into a sense of comfort and ease. When we relax and start to think this journey is smooth sailing, that's when he sees his chance. He'll draw us into compromise and introduce deceptive thoughts that lead to destruction.

Do you remember the last time God spoke to you? I'm not talking about an audible voice coming down from Heaven, that's rare… but when's the last time you heard His voice speak to your heart? For many believers, it's a challenge to remember a moment like that. It isn't something unique to the people we read about in Scripture; God will speak to you if you give Him the opportunity. As Pastor Mark will challenge us in today's message, we need to set aside time with our Father. His Word is more readily available today than it's ever been, and He's ready to listen and speak to you when you dedicate time in His presence. 

Following the leading of the Holy Spirit can be a real challenge in this life. As Pastor Mark points out today, as a young believer, or in a situation where you really don't have any other choice, following the Spirit may come naturally. But in day-to-day practice, it's easy to rely on yourself and ignore God's guidance. To follow Jesus and allow His Spirit to move through you requires faith and intentionality. You'll need to slow down on a routine basis, allowing time to listen for God's still, quiet voice. You'll also need to dig into Scripture and lean on your fellow believers for discernment and encouragement.

This account of King Herod's untimely death is not only presented in Scripture, but in the records of Josephus – a well-respected historian of the time. It offers a warning to any who would try to take glory that should be directed to God while also persecuting those He loves. We may not see people bowing down before leaders today, but the fervor some have for their political icons can be a form of worship. As we'll be warned in today's message from Pastor Mark, we can have confidence that God and His Word will always prevail over these attacks, and we'd much rather be on the winning side of this war.

When you lose someone to death, it hurts. Words fail to express the inner turmoil and pain you experience in that moment. Even the knowledge that they're with God in Heaven may only be a small consolation. You want them here with you now. As Pastor Mark will explain in today's message, those feelings are natural, and God can handle your pain in that moment. Why doesn't God stop us from experiencing loss and heartache? He didn't design us to go through this originally. Our pain is the result of sin, and sin still reigns in this world. But you can have hope; God has secured victory, and He will bring good out of all of it.

An important part of your development as a follower of Christ is learning patience. This will test your faith, and you'll find it easy to allow your passion to wane as you wait on God to lead you to the next step or open that next door for you. As Pastor Mark will point out today, you're not alone in that. In today's passage, we see that even the Apostle Paul had periods of waiting on God to lead him into His next mission. So what do you do while you wait? Just sit around and read your Bible and pray? Of course not – those are healthy practices, but God wants you to be actively sharing the Gospel right where you are.

Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and you can likely think of a few more holidays we celebrate as Americans that have nothing to do with Christianity. Is there any harm in participating in these? As Pastor Mark will point out in today's message, as long as they don't become idolatrous or seen as a requirement for faith, it's not wrong to take part in these kinds of things.  As we'll find in today's passage from the book of Acts, the Apostle Peter struggled to separate Jewish rituals and rules from his faith. It was fine for him to follow those convictions for himself, as long as he didn't place that burden on others.

There've been many examples in the history of Christianity, as well as in Judaism in general, where man has added conditions or even entire new laws to the Law that God ordained in Scripture. In today's passage, we'll witness Peter struggling with this and stepping into God's New Covenant with faith. Peter struggled to accept God's new work, which expanded the boundaries of his religion to invite all people, not just Jews, into God's Kingdom. As Pastor Mark will point out in today's message, many of us struggle in a similar way when we see God working in people we assume are too far gone for Jesus.

We aren't saved by our obedience to the Law found in Scripture. If we could keep it perfectly, we could earn our place in God's presence, but as Pastor Mark will remind us in today's message, that simply isn't possible. So, if it's impossible to live by the Laws that God set in place, how can we ever be worthy to be in His presence? Are we doomed to a life of sin, separated from Him? …No, that's where Jesus comes into the picture. He died in our place as a perfect sacrifice once and for all. This doesn't mean we just throw away the Law, though – we're still called to live by it in loving obedience to our Savior. 

When you spot a guy covered in tattoos, it's easy to picture him as someone who might be a troublemaker. So, rather than chatting with that person or spreading the gospel, you'd probably choose to head in the opposite direction, wouldn't you? Have you ever thought that the story behind that guy's tattoos might be tied to his emotional pain and suffering? Today, Pastor Mark shares a heartfelt reminder: don't hesitate to connect with others, even if they seem indifferent. Many folks are going through tough times, and what they truly seek is that divine peace that only Jesus can provide. Share God's love with them!

So, here's the thing: God gave Peter the green light to eat pork, which totally threw him for a loop! You see, he had been raised on the idea from the Old Testament that munching on unclean animals was a no-go. Quite the twist, right? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the intriguing reason why God gave Peter the green light to eat what was considered unclean. In the Old Testament, God had a special mission to keep the family line of the Messiah intact. He orchestrated everything just right to ensure that Jesus would emerge from a pure lineage. Once salvation became available, God lifted the restrictions He had previously set!

Picture this: you're sitting in the exam hall, and that one answer is just dancing on the tip of your tongue, teasing you to remember it. Even if you give it your all to recall the answer, what happens if it never crossed your path during your study sessions? You'll never see that answer coming! In the same way, you might want to reach out to God and have a little chat. So, do you take some time to dive into His Word? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to get into the Word of God and spend some quality time with it. As you dive into your Bible and dedicate more time to prayer, you'll find that God begins to engage with you in wonderful ways!

So, when you're brewing up some green tea or pouring yourself a cup of black coffee, guess what? The star of the show is water! It's versatile enough to mix seamlessly with both tea leaves and coffee beans. Have you ever thought about giving that a go with another liquid? It won't be that easy, right? In the same way, you could be navigating your life by your own cherished traditions. But what if today is the day God nudges you toward a whole new adventure with a fresh set of rules? Are you open to transforming yourself in order to serve God? Today, Pastor Mark invites you to embrace spiritual flexibility in every aspect of your life!

Do you know how pessimistic people think? They always start by imagining the worst possible outcome in everything they tackle. So, when you're sending up a prayer for someone, how often do you feel like it's going to make a difference? You tend to assess things by observing the situation and imagining the worst-case scenario. It seems like your faith in God takes a blow during that time. Today, Pastor Mark is here to inspire you to strengthen your faith in Jesus. Why not shift your mindset? Instead of dwelling on the negative, embrace the power of prayer with confidence and faith, trusting that God knows the right step!

A soldier needs a bulletproof vest that's crafted from top-notch materials. If he's rocking a fake vest or none at all, that soldier's putting himself in serious danger, even from a less powerful weapon. Just like that, when you're out sharing the gospel, you might run into some pushback and rejection from folks you encounter. If you're feeling a bit spiritually and mentally fragile, it can really hit you hard when things go south. In today's message, Pastor Mark talks about the importance of having a strong will and a heart that's ready for anything. Even when rejection comes knocking, you can keep your faith strong and unwavering!

When you open a toolbox, do you expect to see twenty identical screwdrivers? Or would it make more sense to see a variety of tools, each one suited for a different kind of job? In the Kingdom of God, people with different talents and different gifts are assigned to all kinds of roles to accomplish the work of the Gospel. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to realize that comparison is a dangerous game. If you focus on how God is using other people around you, it can make you lose sight of the purpose that God has given specifically to you. You have a calling on your life that only you can fulfill.

Your life isn't a surprise to God! Think of all of the struggles and trials you've gone through in this life. Think of the things that have gone wrong since you woke up this morning. God knew everything that would happen to you on your journey today, and yet He chose you for such a time and place as this. Pastor Mark reminds you today that God uses people from unusual backgrounds and circumstances to do unusually great things for the Kingdom! God isn't concerned with your skillset or your work history. He is concerned with one thing in particular: your willingness to say “Yes” to the things He calls you to do.

If you've ever seen someone bungee jump, you know that the guide will lead the jumper to the edge of a platform, but then allow them to take the leap of faith on their own. God wants you to take the leap of faith in your own life, trusting in Him to bring you safely through the ordeal set in front of you. Pastor Mark teaches you today that God will sometimes require you to show proof that you trust in Him. Many times, this is done by putting you in a situation where you have to make that first step. By trusting in God, like you trust in a bungee jump guide, you prove that your trust in Him is greater than your fear of falling.

Have you ever seen a potato grow? Well, you probably haven't because they grow completely underground! It's impossible to tell how a potato is growing because it needs to stay in the ground to properly form. You need to have faith that everything is going as it should be, even if you can't see the results until the harvest. Pastor Mark wants you to realize today that Saul was one of those people who didn't produce fruit immediately. Instead, the word of God worked deep into his soul, and over time, he was made into a new creation. An encounter with Jesus changed the trajectory of Saul's life, as he became the Apostle Paul.

It always seems like a huge and scary thing to share the gospel with people. The reality is, it is scary, and it is a big deal. BUT, God sees that…God sees you in your fear, and yet He still calls you to share about His love! Because you have experienced it first-hand, who else better to share the gospel, to share Jesus?! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to trust in the Lord, even when something seems scary and daunting! Sharing the gospel will become easy when you know the God you're talking about. The more time you spend with Jesus, the easier it will be to tell someone about Him and what He has done for you! 

If God calls you to preach the truth to people, trust that He will give you the intelligent words to speak and the right tone that communicates respect and kindness! God will absolutely send you somewhere that you're not qualified to go…that is the whole point! He will equip you to go and represent Him well! In today's message, Pastor Mark will share how God doesn't call the capable; He calls the willing. If you're willing to trust God and let Him guide you where He wants you to go, then He will be with you and give you the knowledge, strength, and courage to go and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ!

When we work through bitterness and unforgiveness toward someone and release it to God, we can begin to heal. Whatever happened to you, you CAN recover from it. Your heart may not mend instantaneously, but with time and a lot of Jesus, there's hope and healing in your future! Today, Pastor Mark will recognize that forgiveness isn't easy. Handing over that personal and painful memory, including that unforgiveness, takes some time and processing in your heart. But I can tell you that it WILL be worth it! The full healing, unexplainable peace, and gentle love from Jesus on the other side is absolutely worth it!!!

We cannot, in our natural form, turn away from sin in our own strength. We NEED the power of the Holy Spirit to help us get that sin, that separation from God, out of our lives. Now, here's the good news: if you've given your life to God and have been baptized, you already have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will share a little about that good news! AND, how you can fully step into ALL God has called you to be, when you lean on the Holy Spirit! Let Him strengthen you, guide you, and encourage you to turn away from your sin, and turn toward the calling God has put on your life!

God has personally given each and every one of us a gift - a talent, or something that we're good at - that we can use to edify the body of Christ. Maybe you're musical, maybe you're good with kids, or maybe you're good at making people feel seen. No matter what it is, YOU have a gift that God wants to use for His people! In today's message, Pastor Mark will tell you a little about how God used him and his gift, and he will show you how you can practically use your gift. God didn't just bless you so you can sit in the back of the church. He's blessed you so you can literally go out and be the hands and feet of Jesus where you live!

God works in the most wonderful ways to lead people to salvation. He does not want you to live in uncertainty about your relationship with Him. Scripture encourages us to examine our lives to ensure we are grounded in the faith. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that this was addressed to believers. We should not live with doubts about our salvation. Without assurance, we cannot achieve victory or experience true joy. It's normal to sometimes have doubts, but for the most part, our spirit should affirm the presence of God in our lives. If you are in doubt, pray and seek God's wisdom to settle the issue today.

Salvation is a heart decision that results in a changed life. A person's spirit must bear witness as a devoted believer in Christ. In today's message, Pastor Mark warns that many simply give mental assent to the gospel but are not truly saved. It is common for people to believe with their heads but not with their hearts. The Bible teaches that even demons believe in Christ, but they will not enter heaven. Simply believing the facts about Christ is not the same as truly believing in Him and committing oneself to Him. It is essential to ensure that your salvation is genuine and that you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

What are the dangers of drifting away from God? In today's message, Pastor Mark discusses the decline of Samaria into darkness and its vulnerability to Satanic activity. The Samaritans had intermarried and adopted a different religion. They had rejected their faith. They were suffering the results of sin. As demonstrated by the nation of Samaria, when we abandon the light of God, darkness prevails. This serves as a warning to us today: when we neglect prayer and Bible study, we become more vulnerable to satanic influences. As America turns its back on God, we become susceptible to perversion, sin, and destruction.

Many religions teach a figure similar to Jesus. Today, Pastor Mark discusses the heresy of believing in any path to heaven that does not recognize Jesus as the Son of God. It is important to understand who we are witnessing to and the flaws that exist in their current beliefs. Knowing the truth is vital to our witness. Belief in Jesus as anything but God is counterfeit. We should not mold our understanding of "Jesus" to fit our personal beliefs. Instead, we must accept the Word of God as our absolute, ultimate authority. Don't shy away from the truth of Christ's deity. Jesus stated, "No one comes to the Father except through me.”

God uses difficult times to bring us closer to Him. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that even the suffering of the tribulation is meant to open the eyes of the Jews. Sometimes we must experience hardship before we can truly see the light. We don't recognize our need for Christ until He is all we have left. God has always used persecution to open people's eyes and bring them back to Him. God's greatest act of love is not to leave us to our own ways, but to draw us toward Him. He desires to mold our lives. Although it is not always easy, God is in control. Allow Him to lift your head and turn your gaze toward Him.

The way we share the gospel can vary depending on whom we are speaking with. It might be a rebuke, a logical argument, or a gentle appeal. In today's message, Pastor Mark suggests that, in general, a softer approach is preferable. He uses Stephen's example as he addressed the Sanhedrin to illustrate this point. Stephen used history to remind the Jews of God's preparation for the gospel. We can do the same today by highlighting God's work in people's lives. He may have protected them or sent individuals into their lives to demonstrate His love and mercy. Nothing happens by chance; everything is by God's design. 

We, Christians, were given a very clear command to share the gospel. Now, that doesn't mean that if we fail to do so, maybe we get scared to speak up, or feel it's the “wrong time”, God's will will still be done. He doesn't need you to do anything, but He wants YOU to share about what He has done!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be bold and courageous about sharing the gospel! Don't sit back and wait for someone else to speak up, you have an opportunity TODAY, RIGHT NOW, to go share about the wonders of Jesus Christ and what He has done for you personally!

Sharing about your faith in God can be very daunting. A lot of people struggle with having the courage to speak about God…maybe that's you, maybe you feel uncomfortable sharing your faith; remember that you're not alone in that difficulty, most Christians face this at least once in their walk with the Lord. In today's message, Pastor Mark will give you some pointers on how “easy” it can be to share about God! He will also remind you that, when you're afraid about what to say, God will give you the words. The Lord isn't just going to leave you stumbling over your words; He will give you the clarity to speak and the words to change lives!

Speaking about the Gospel is preaching. If you've ever told someone about the gospel, about the good news of Jesus Christ, you were preaching…when put like that, it seems pretty simple, right? In today's message, Pastor Mark will share how easy it can be to preach about Jesus, just like any pastor on a stage. There are so many opportunities for you to share your faith by telling people about what God did then and about what He is doing now in your own life. You can even go a step further and explain it, teach it, so people can understand it and digest it enough to have a real-life transformation today!

The people in this historical story were thankful for their persecution. Isn't that crazy?! Can you imagine, going through just a sliver of what they did…that alone would be difficult, but counting themselves lucky to be even beaten for the Lord?! We can barely show up for church every week or pray every day. In today's message, Pastor Mark will ask you how you would and will respond when persecution comes your way. You may live your whole life without even an eye roll for having faith, and you may have to live the rest of your life reading the Bible in secret…no matter what comes, how will you rejoice in the Lord?!

As Christians, we cannot sit aside and say God will handle it. God absolutely can. There is no doubt about it, but that doesn't mean we get to be lazy Christians. God can do anything He wants… whenever He wants, but He wants to execute His plan with YOU! He wants YOU to be involved and active in His good plan! In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you just how important you can be in building up the kingdom of God! You must understand that God can do anything, but He wants to do everything with and through YOU! He's not just looking for “a Christian”, He has special and specific plans for your life!

Peter appeared quite self-assured as he engaged with the elders, boldly accusing them of the murder of Jesus. Peter knew that God was right there with them, and the Holy Spirit was leading the way. After seeing Jesus face to face, post-resurrection, Peter found the courage to tackle every tough situation that crossed his path. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to welcome that same boldness into your life. Once you come to understand that you're serving the God of the impossible, you can be certain that He'll empower you to stand strong against any foe. Don't hold back—spread the love of Jesus to everyone around you!

At times, it feels like God's plan can throw you for a loop. He might guide you into a scenario that feels a bit challenging. As a believer, you might find yourself grappling with some heavy doubts, wondering if the plan really comes from God. Today, Pastor Mark shares a heartfelt reminder to put your trust in God's plan. He's got it all figured out and will always equip you with the right tools to tackle whatever comes your way. When you follow God's calling, you can trust that He's got your back and will look out for you no matter what difficulties come. You just need to trust that He will help you through the process.  

The Bible shares that sin can lead to the spiritual death of your soul, tying it to eternal damnation for all time. But do you realize that some sins might actually bring about your physical demise? It's easy to assume that being a believer sets you apart from everything else going on around you. Today, Pastor Mark dives into a thought-provoking discussion about how certain sins can lead to physical death. So, picture this: even if you're a follower of Christ, diving into those sins could mean that God might bring you back to Him a bit earlier than intended, putting a pause on all those amazing plans He had in store for you! That's just awful!

The Bible unfolds like a captivating story, primarily chronicling the history of Israel. As you dive in, you'll encounter a variety of characters and their intriguing adventures. But have you ever thought about how God helps you relate to these characters and ignites a sense of conviction in your heart? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares how the Word of God connects with you personally. Diving into God's Word opens up a conversation where He shares insights with you, guiding you along the unique path He has laid out for your life. Each time you look into a particular verse, God whispers a fresh meaning into your heart!

When you're on the lookout for ways to chat with folks about Jesus, you might assume that delivering a strong sermon is the best approach. But have you ever thought about the best way to share the gospel? Today, Pastor Mark highlights the incredible impact of testimonies. Once you notice the transformation in your life after welcoming Jesus, you'll have a beautiful story to share with others about your journey. Your presence will spark curiosity in those around you, making them eager to discover what has inspired this transformation in you. Now, that's the perfect moment to share how Jesus has transformed your life!

There may come a time when you find yourself needing to express your beliefs to those in charge. Have you ever noticed how the disciples in the New Testament took a beating just for standing up for Jesus? Looks like today is pretty much the same as usual, huh? It seems like persecution is on the upswing as the world edges closer to that fateful judgment day. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages you to hold strong to your faith, no matter what comes your way. The disciples stood tall before the leaders, courageously defending Jesus. Hey, you can do that as well! Rest assured, God is right there with you!

As Peter healed the beggar, the people of Israel gazed in awe, marveling at the scene and believing he might be a prophet. Every now and then, we get a little bold and believe we can tackle anything that comes our way. Sometimes we overlook the fact that it's God who's actively working in and through us. In today's message, Pastor Mark invites you to open your heart and surrender it to Jesus. He's eager to get into your experiences and connect with others along the way. To make that a reality, you have to let go of your own desires and invite God to take the reins of your life. That's the way to shine the spotlight on God!

Have you ever noticed how in the Bible, Jesus always waits for the sick to ask Him for healing before He steps in? This indicates that Jesus wanted a heart that was ready to be healed. In the same way, you might find yourself going to church regularly, yet you feel like God isn't really making a difference in your life. So, have you taken a moment to open your heart to Jesus and welcome Him into your life? Today, Pastor Mark paints a vivid picture of the kind of heart a believer should embrace. Jesus is eager to be a part of your journey. He wants you to invite Him into your life, but it's all about your choice to ask Him in! 

Isn't it interesting how there's this constant pressure in our minds as adults to take care of our families? It's totally normal to feel a bit unsure about what's coming next in your life. Have you ever thought about the fact that you're related to a God who can truly transform your life? How often do you find yourself leaning on Him? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to have faith in God's plans. It's natural to feel that weight of responsibility around you. But sometimes, it's just simpler to hand it over to God and trust in the journey He has in store for you. He truly wants nothing but the best for your life. You've just got to believe in Him!

Many Christians tend to fall into a routine of going to church, soaking in the Pastor's message, and then drifting away from the Word of God for the rest of the week. It's kind of like indulging in a feast on Sundays while feeling famished the rest of the week. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages you to keep your feet planted in God's Word each and every day. As you dive into meditating on His word, you'll begin to uncover the incredible journey God has laid out for you. He'll reveal the steps you need to take to bring that plan to life. All you've got to do is meditate on His word daily, and grow in your relationship with God. 

As you dive into the Bible, you might find that the narrative often revolves around the people of Israel, capturing their stories and experiences. You know, Jesus kicked off and wrapped up His ministry right in the heart of Israel. So, does that mean God is just focused on saving them and not the entire world? Today, Pastor Mark shares some passionate insights about God's agape love. He sacrificed His one and only Son, Jesus, to take on the cross for your sins. God placed no limits and welcomed everyone in the world to find salvation through His Son. Just open your heart and receive Jesus as your Savior. That's it!