Come To The Table

Satan's accusations are like a relentless storm, pounding you with guilt day and night. In today's message, Pastor Mark describes how the enemy accuses you constantly, sometimes with truths about your failings, other times with lies. But the good news is that Jesus covers every wrong with His blood. As a believer, your sins are forgiven when you repent, and false accusations fall powerless. You're shielded by Christ's sacrifice, no matter what the enemy claims. Blood speaks louder than any accusation. You stand secured in His grace. Are you resting in Christ's blood to silence Satan's accusations against you?

Fearlessness in Christ is like a bird soaring freely, unburdened by the weight of death. In today's message, Pastor Mark conveys how trusting God removes the fear of dying, granting you true freedom. You might naturally wrestle with fears about the future, wondering what lies ahead. But if you fully trust God, everything changes. You're not rushing to die, obviously. But you're not afraid of death either. This confidence liberates you from anxiety's grip. You can live boldly, resting in His plan daily. His sovereignty covers every moment. Are you trusting God's control to free you from ever being overcome with fear of the future?

God's voice can be like a whisper tailored to your heart, cutting through life's noise. In today's message, Pastor Mark reveals how God sometimes speaks the future to believers, delivering specific words that come true undeniably. Other times, as you spend time in Scripture, God might speak directly to your situation. You might hear a detailed prophecy, a clear supernatural act. Or, perhaps you'll just get more out of a certain passage than before. You can experience His guidance in real-time. His truth meets you exactly where you are. Are you listening for God speaking personally to your heart through His Word?

The Holy Spirit is like a light piercing the deepest darkness, revealing truth to blinded hearts. In today's message, Pastor Mark explains how many Jews turned away as Gentiles embraced the gospel, fulfilling God's foretold spiritual blinding. Paul tried reaching them, but human effort alone wasn't enough. You might see family or friends today who don't know the Lord. Only the Holy Spirit can open their eyes to see and hear the truth. If you're seeking God yourself, you need His Spirit to reveal Him. You're called to pray for that divine touch. Are you asking the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your loved ones to the truth?

Christian fellowship is like iron sharpening iron, refining you through mutual love and growth. In today's message, Pastor Mark describes how Paul's example in Ephesus showed pastors a life beyond reproach, seeking no personal gain. You see his heart poured into them, modeling Christ's love. Paul's time with the Ephesians built a bond of shared faith, encouraging growth in God's ways. You're called to live as an example for Christ, not perfectly, but authentically, where you are. It's intimidating, but you don't need to be flawless to reflect Him. Your life can inspire others every single day! 

A wounded believer is like a soldier fallen on a battlefield, needing care no matter the cause. In today's message, Pastor Mark explains how some can be struck down by attacks from the enemy. But your role isn't to judge; it's instead to restore and bandage their wounds, no matter what the wound is from. When divisions arise in churches, people may get upset and leave. Once they're gone, it's hard for anyone to minister to them. You're called to help heal these rifts, not widen them. God's heart seeks restoration for the hurting. Are you seeking to restore those wounded by division or conflict in the church?

Leadership can often be like a shepherd guarding a struggling sheep. In today's message, Pastor Mark unveils how those who rise up among you, causing trouble, often have many friends. Church leaders might know details you don't, choosing to protect the person, as Jesus did with Judas, giving space for repentance. When leaders hold back, some suspect they're hiding something. This can lead friends of the troublemakers to pull others away, risking a group's downfall. You see how delicate this balance is. God's heart seeks restoration, not shame. Are you trusting godly leaders to handle issues with wisdom?

Jesus' mercy is like a door held open, even for those who betray Him. In today's message, Pastor Mark reveals how Jesus still called Judas “friend” in the garden. You might think His words were sarcastic, but they carried genuine compassion. Jesus knew the cross was His path, whether Judas betrayed Him or not. Jesus' plan was set, yet He offered Judas a chance to repent, even at that final moment. You see His heart longing for redemption, not judgment. His grace extends to the worst moments. You're never too far gone for His mercy. Are you trusting Jesus' offer, no matter how far you've strayed?

God's truth is like a deep well, offering endless wisdom for your journey. In today's message, Pastor Mark unveils how Paul spent years teaching, pouring over 1,500 hours into the Ephesians to equip them thoroughly. You might think he covered every topic, but Paul focused on what mattered most for leaders. Paul's greatest lesson wasn't just words; it was his life. He urged others to imitate him as he imitated Christ. You're called to follow faithful lives that reflect Jesus. You grow by seeking to mirror those who mirror Christ. Are you imitating Christ's example as seen in those who faithfully follow Him?

When you think of suffering, does anything good come to mind? In today's message, Pastor Mark will point out that sometimes what you need to go through in your walk with The Lord is suffering. Not because of something you did to deserve it, but to bring you to a place of dependence on God to get you through it. It's important to look for God's guidance and wisdom in hard times and in the good times. The suffering you go through is an opportunity to grow closer to God and to trust Him more. There's nothing that can come against you that God isn't powerful enough to get you through. You have to keep your heart on Him.

Once you give your life to Christ and commit to following God, you're called to much more than just salvation. You're called to serve! Serve fellow believers in the church, serve your family and friends around you, and serve with the joy of The Lord! It's your relationship with God bearing fruit in your life. It's important to always ask God what He wants you to do next for ministry. Today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to never stop growing in your relationship with God and to never stop serving Him with whatever you have. God wants to move through the lives of those who are faithful to do His will.

Paul knew the importance of telling the Ephesians the things he had on his heart about Jesus. They needed to hear about Jesus again and be moved in their faith. When Paul saw the need, he stayed up all day and night teaching them and ministering to them. God gave him the ability, and he was faithful to use it. It's important to serve where you know it's needed and where you know that God is calling you to. Pastor Mark wants you to know today that God will provide all your needs while you're following Him. No human can comprehend all that's possible when God's working through you, and it requires you to trust God to do it.

If you heard God calling you to do a work in ministry, right now, would you go? Would you ask questions first to know exactly what's going to happen? Or would you just go and trust God to work out the details along the way? He wants to work through you, but you have to be obedient when He finally calls you. In today's message, Pastor Mark is going to explain how you need to be ready to go where God calls you in the moment God calls you to do it. You never know the impact you could have on the world around you when you're following God's plan. Trust Him to work it out in the end, and just go. Take action when He calls.

God can use you to change the environment around you. It might just be your family, but it could also be your entire city or state! Are you ready to move when God calls you? God's Spirit in you is stronger than the power of anything that stands against you. When God sees you commit to Him, He'll move through you. As you'll get to see in today's message with Pastor Mark, God can use anyone to change the hearts of the people of an area. He just needs you to be sold out on serving Him and to be faithful to go when He calls you. You'll never have to do it alone, but God won't use you if you're not willing to go when the time comes.

God is always in control. Sin will always be in the world, just like it always has been. Sometimes it might be hard to resist the temptation of sin. But in God, there's strength to get through those times. In God, you have a hope for eternity. He holds the world in His hands and can bring you through all that you face. Today, Pastor Mark will remind you to trust in God through the newest trends in culture. When the world tries to take your focus off of God, remember that He is in control. You have to trust Him that He'll get you through anything and put your life in His hands. He can do great things through someone who's surrendered to Him.

Following God isn't guaranteed to be easy. Oftentimes, it's quite the opposite. There's a cost to following God, and that's doing what He wants for your life instead of following your earthly pleasures. As Pastor Mark will show you in today's message, it's important to keep your commitment to God to enjoy the life He has for you. When temptations become strong and when it's hard to follow God's will, you can find rest in God. He'll provide all you need to face what you're up against. Just turn your face back to Him and ask, and keep away from sin. When you let God have His way, He can do amazing things you never could imagine through your life.

Once you give your life to Christ, it should look different. People should notice something different about you. The faith you have is meant to be shared with as many people as you can reach. Everywhere you go is an opportunity to reach more people for Christ. Is He alive in your heart and reaching people through you? The way you live should attract people to the same hope you have. How you live your life is a ministry itself! Today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be bold in declaring your faith. Be bold in talking to others about what's different about you. You never know who it might touch or lead to Christ.

What does it mean to be a believer and to be filled with the Holy Spirit? In today's message, Pastor Mark explains the simplicity of these truths. He states that to become a Christian, one only needs to admit they are a sinner and believe in Jesus as Savior. The Holy Spirit is in every believer at the moment of salvation. Many do not experience the power of the Holy Spirit because they have not embraced discipleship. You can become a believer without being discipled. To be a disciple of Christ, one must engage in prayer, study the Bible, and practice daily self-denial. This allows the Holy Spirit to have greater power in your life.

God not only saves us for His Kingdom work but also provides the Holy Spirit to equip us for the Christian life. In today's message, Pastor Mark shares three key functions of the Holy Spirit that we receive at Salvation. He explains that the Holy Spirit is within us, walks alongside us, and empowers us. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit immediately indwells us. We are sealed and secure by His continued presence. The Holy Spirit also walks with us, helping us understand scripture and giving guidance and direction for our lives. We are also given the power to witness and overcome sin through the Holy Spirit. 

Is it permissible for Jews who have been converted to retain their Jewish customs? Is it acceptable for Christians to participate in Jewish events or ceremonies? In his message today, Pastor Mark addresses these activities and explains when they become an obstacle and the parameters of this freedom. Engaging with another person's culture can enhance our understanding of non-believers and make sharing the Gospel more effective. For a Jew, being open to the Gospel can be easier when they don't feel compelled to abandon their Jewish cultural practices. These customs do not play a role in our salvation.

There is a barrier of unbelief that prevents people from knowing and experiencing Christ. Only God can remove these obstacles that hinder individuals from receiving Him. In his message today, Pastor Mark discusses how God uses everyday people to help break down these invisible barriers that separate us from God. Pastor Mark emphasizes that nothing is more powerful than Christ's love. People are drawn to Christ by various means. As they overcome any fear they may have, and we continue to share God's love with them, they will see the difference in our lives that knowing Christ has made and desire to follow Him as a result.

There are moments when God's provision confirms your calling. Today, Pastor Mark shares a personal testimony of God's provision during his early ministry. Throughout scripture, whenever God calls someone, He also provides for them. This truth remains valid today: wherever God guides, He provides. Paul was a tent maker in addition to being a missionary. Often, God calls ministers to work in secular jobs while they serve the church. Although this can be challenging, God uses these experiences as teaching moments. He reminds us every day to rely on Him completely and to patiently wait for His provision.

Are you waiting until you feel more knowledgeable about the Scriptures before you begin witnessing? In today's message, Pastor Mark addresses this way of thinking and highlights its fallacy. He reminds us that the gospel is simple to share. It is not dependent on your intellect and your persuasive speech. The apostle Paul tried to convert the leaders of Athens using reason and intellect. Later, he said to share the message of Christ and the cross simply. A person only needs to understand that they are sinners, realize that Christ died for their sins, and believe in Him as their Savior and Lord, to obtain salvation.

How handy are you? Can you patch drywall? Swap out a dead outlet? Do you know how to frame out a door? One of the most essential skills for any homeowner to know is how to repair a leak. As any plumber knows, the first step to stopping a leak is turning off the supply, preventing water from hindering the repair. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that the most practical way to fix a leaky spiritual life and feel the presence and power of God is to first slow the leak. If sin keeps flowing out of your heart, it just makes it that much harder to fix. Today, choose repentance and turn from the sins that keep you stuck where you are.

Behind every immaculately trimmed lawn and hidden trash can in the city's finest subdivision is a wonderful thing called an HOA covenant. They keep cars from parking on the street and make sure all house modifications fit the theme of the neighborhood, but they sure keep things looking great! Today, Pastor Mark teaches that many believers treat tithing like paying HOA dues and expect church membership to keep them looking nice on the inside. However, the reality is that the outside of your house can look clean while the inside is a mess. Only a relationship with Jesus can get your house in order.

It's so easy to take our food for granted. If you think about the quickest meal you can probably get – a McDonald's cheeseburger – consider how long it took to be created. The cow for the patty had to grow for several years, as did the wheat for the bun. The lettuce, tomato, and onion didn't just appear overnight! In today's message, Pastor Mark isn't talking about burgers, but he will teach you that spiritual growth takes time. As seeds are planted and watered, one day, enough spiritual formation happens that the results are completely unrecognizable from the initial seed. Transformation is a slow, daily process.

In society, there are all kinds of false gods and idols. Whether it's social justice issues, sports, food, or social media… all of them can become gods that separate us from the one true God. They creep in and steal our attention, drawing us away from Jesus. It's often said that if the devil can't get your heart, he will make you busy. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that Paul sets an example for all of us. He didn't just sit idly by while these things captured the heart of those around him. He stood up boldly and challenged people to turn to God. Will you follow suit? Will you stand firm in your faith and point people towards Jesus?

People used to walk miles…not steps, not just to the other room, but miles just to read the Word of God and fact-check what they heard to what God said. That is unheard of in today's society. More often than not, people just take what they hear and either forget about it or take it with the accountability of a person. In today's message, Pastor Mark will challenge you…how often do you read your Bible? At what lengths are you willing to go to just to make sure you are in right standing with God? Do you spend more time on your phone than you do in the Bible? You can take that step today, make being in the Scripture your #1 priority!

God works in ways that are incomprehensible to our minds. But He gave us His word, the living Bible, to be able to understand a sliver of what He has done, is doing, and even will do! The Bible is a way for us to accept the unknown and learn to trust God because He has proven trustworthy over and over again! In today's message, Pastor Mark will invite you to fact-check everything you come across in the Bible. Whether you're making a simple choice or receiving advice or guidance from pastors, check if it aligns with what God has clearly said and stated in HIS Word! The Bible is applicable today…use it!!!

Whether you're already a Christian or still on the fence, God has amazing things in store for you! Look to God in awe, in patient expectation of what He IS going to do in your life, and He will show up! Simply keeping your eyes on the Lord and trusting He has complete control over your life will bring rest! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to worship, to focus on the good God has done in the trial! While you wait for the storm to pass, worship the Lord! It can be difficult to center yourself and trust God while everything is going wrong. But God is faithful, and He will be with you through your storm!

No matter what it is we may be facing, whether anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts, worship is our best option. Worship will always be our way out of darkness and a winning weapon against the devil. Praising God even in our struggles will literally drive satan away in fear of who our God is! In today's message, Pastor Mark will recognize that stress, anxiety, and depression are all very real aspects of the human experience. But you serve a gracious and powerful God that the devil fears. Acknowledge the goodness of God and thank Him in the midst of your suffering, and watch the devil flee!!!

It's almost unthinkable to sing, to praise God, to worship in the midst of our suffering. Life can be really hard sometimes. It was really hard for Paul and Silas, and yet they found the strength to thank God with their voices, despite their circumstances. Despite the agony they were experiencing. In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you how God is that strength. God is your strength when you are hanging on by a thread. Maybe that's you today, maybe you need a miracle, you need supernatural power to continue on..God will be that. God is for you and He is with you, ready to comfort and support you in all areas!

Spiritual warfare is a very real thing we face in today's day and age. The devil uses everything and anything he can get his hands on to pull you away from God and the things of God. Distractions, such as screaming kids, busy schedules with no time to relax, are all meant to stress you out and drag you from God. In today's message, Pastor Mark will share that, as real as those battles are, God has a way out! There is hope to endure life; simply ask God to give you patience, rest, and strength. He may not provide an immediate way out, but He will give you or be everything you need to endure your struggles!

In today's message, Pastor Mark shares about the missionary journey that Paul and his companions took. One remarkable thing about their journey was that as they sailed by ship across the sea, they were able to take a straight course. This really was noteworthy because typically, the wind direction would work against them, but on this particular voyage, it was exactly what they needed. Have you ever stepped out in faith to do something that God was calling you to do? It might not always be smooth sailing, but when God wants you to do something, He will make a way. If God is calling you to step out in faith, then He will equip you.

Life is FULL of decisions. Every day, we have to decide what we want to eat, what clothes to wear… and those are just a couple of the choices we have to make. There's also plenty of BIG decisions in life; where to live, what career path to follow, who to marry… Pastor Mark encourages you in his message today to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so that you can know which way God is leading you. Not every option is pleasing to God, and sometimes the right choice is the most difficult one. The important thing is to ask God and allow Him to lead you; You never know, He may lead you in a direction you never expected.

You know, one can imagine what it's like to be a king on some remote island somewhere… Servants everywhere, some bringing you food, some waving palm branches over you to keep you cool. All day long, you just do whatever you want, and your servants are there to wait on you hand and foot; A life in the lap of luxury. Today in his message, Pastor Mark shares with you that being part of the body of the Church isn't about what the Church can do for you, but what you can do for Christ. The Church isn't about consumerism, but it's about believers in Jesus coming together, serving each other, and worshipping God together.

Going through life without guidance can be a real challenge. That's why it's so important to have people like parents, grandparents, mentors, and pastors to pour into the lives of others, especially those who are younger. There's so much wisdom that can be passed along that will save many from having to learn things the hard way. In his message today, Pastor Mark is going to tell you about how Paul poured into the life of Timothy and encourage you to do the same for others. Look around you, is there anyone in your life that you can impart some of the wisdom God has given you? That's a great place to start!

Are the spiritual leaders and mentors in your life teaching doctrine that agrees with the Holy Spirit? Does their teaching agree with everything that's in The Bible? Today, Pastor Mark will explain how the first church was inspired directly by the Holy Spirit moving through all the members and doing great works. The Holy Spirit should inspire the teaching and leadership in any church today, too. The teaching should always agree with what's in the Bible, since the Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit Himself! Always consider if what you hear is from God or if it's false doctrine. Then stick with the truth, and reject what's false.

The ultimate source of the Scriptures and their meaning is the Holy Spirit. The Word of God is inspired by the Holy Spirit, Who moved in people's hearts, to reveal to them what to write down. Everything you read in the Bible is trustworthy, because even though man wrote it down, the Holy Spirit inspired it. Any doctrine that's contrary to what God's Word says is false, because it's not of the Holy Spirit. In today's message, Pastor Mark will point you in the right direction to find the truth about anything that you hear being taught. As you investigate these things, make sure that what you listen to is in alignment with God's Word.

All it takes to be saved and inherit eternal life in heaven is faith. A faith in Jesus, and that His sacrifice was enough to wash you clean of your sins. The same faith that Paul talked about right after the days of Jesus is the same faith that leads to salvation now. And it's meant for everyone to receive, no matter your past. God made it clear that His Word is meant to be preached to all people of all nations. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was to save all who believe in Him for eternal life. Today, Pastor Mark will show you how God's Word needs to be shared with as many people as possible, because it's meant for everyone.

Jew or Gentile, slave or free – salvation is for everyone. Jesus made a way for all to get to heaven. No matter someone's background or where he or she came from, God can move. No matter what nationality, race, size, or age someone is, God can move in his or her heart and give that person eternal life, too. Jesus died for everyone when He was sacrificed on the cross. Pastor Mark wants you to know through today's message that the good news of Jesus and salvation needs to be shared with everyone, because that's who it's for. Jesus didn't die for just a select few; He died for every single human being.

If God is for you, who could stand against you? When you commit your life to service for God and spreading the Good News of salvation, you have nothing to fear. Whatever obstacle comes your way, you can get through it because God will make a way. You just have to trust that He will when the time comes. Pastor Mark is going to encourage you today to face your obstacles and hardships with confidence. When God's on your side, He'll provide everything you need to go where He's called you. Even if you have nothing to offer, God can still use you, right where you're at. And He'll take care of the details.

Just like a soldier trains for the battlefield to be prepared for times of war, a Christian soldier should train to be ready for times of spiritual warfare. While times are easy, you should be learning and memorizing God's Word, so you can draw from those Scriptures when the days get harder in the battles. Today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to put in the work behind the scenes in your walk with God. In your alone time, spend time in prayer. Spend time in God's Word. Grow your faith so it's unshakable when it's time for you to face the war. You can go into battle with confidence that God will get you through it.

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.