Come To The Table

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.

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!