Come To The Table is the radio Bible teaching ministry of Mark Kirk, Senior Pastor of Calvary Knoxville, a non-denominational Christian Church located in Knoxville, TN. https://www.pastormarkkirk.com

It's true that people spend way too much time worrying about what other people think about them. But if everybody's spending their time worrying about what other people think about them, then they really aren't spending any time thinking about everyone else. It really is a funny thing, isn't it? In his message today, Pastor Mark encourages you to quit worrying so much about what other people think about you, and start asking yourself What does God think about me. Live your life in a way that pleases God rather than man. When all is said and done, He's the one you'll have to give an account to.

Every story we read in the bible and every testimony we hear, one thing is the same…God used someone inadequate. God has proven that He doesn't call the qualified, He equips the surrendered! When someone is humble in heart and willing to do anything God says, there is no limit to what will happen! In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that you may not be able, but God only asks for your obedience! You don't need to be perfect before allowing God to work; you only have to be humble and obedient right now. God will use you, no matter your past or present sins; He has special plans for you!!!

Sometimes, although not all the time, God uses hard times to get our attention. God will use people, He will use conflict, and He will use difficult situations to show us that something isn't right. Maybe you're facing family disagreements or friendship issues, or maybe a workplace dispute, God may be trying to get your attention. In today's message, Pastor Mark will share some examples of how you can read, or rather sense, what God may be doing to get you to listen up or pay special attention. God will bring up anything to get to you, whether to get you to know you're doing good, or to know you need to change something in your life.

On our own, we can't accomplish much. We can't have victory, we can't have courage, and we can't have power over sin…but with Christ, WE CAN! Alone, we have no authority in life, but when the Holy Spirit is working in us, there is no limit and no end to our victories, our courage, and our power! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to seek God and remember to be with Him! When you spend time with God, and you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you, there is no limit! The Bible says that you have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave in you! Live like it!!!

Even though our world is ever-changing, God doesn't and hasn't changed. His power, His presence, and His goodness haven't changed since Bible times, and we're promised it's not going to change anytime soon! God still does miracles, God still heals, God still cares for His people, no matter what the world is doing! In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you to let fear stay just as it is…an emotion. Fear of the future should never hold you back or make you think God's power has diminished in any sense! Don't be fearful of what is to come; trust God knows best! Because God remains faithful even through your doubt and fear!

There are absolutely repercussions for standing up for our faith and standing up for the salvation of others; God unfortunately promised this in the Scriptures. He said that we will have trials and that it won't be easy. Life isn't easy…that is the point…we need Christ to be with us to walk through life peacefully! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you as you're facing trials and pushback for your faith. Stay strong! Stand with God, and He will not leave you! When you stand up in the face of adversity and stand strong in your beliefs, God will bless your efforts and endurance in ways you can't even imagine!

Sometimes we pray once, and we expect God to show up powerfully and consistently. Not that He won't, but God expects us to pray continually! When our prayers never end, His mercies will find no end! God wants to bless you, and He wants you to ask for it, to seek after His ways, and to knock at His door. So practically, what does asking, seeking, and knocking look like for our lives? In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you exactly how your prayers are asking, seeking, and knocking! When your consistent prayers encounter the Lord's power, there is no limit to what He will do in your life!

It's important to know that we are at war. There is a spiritual battle for our souls, and there is a fight for control. The enemy, satan, wants total chaos and destruction, and he is willing to do anything to get us away from Jesus! Seek God in the battle, and there is no possible way for us to fall into satan's traps. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach that you have a part to play in this war! You have the power to stand up for your own soul and choose Jesus! When you choose Jesus to fight on your side, there is no amount of mayhem or madness that the enemy can cause that you can't overcome in the name of Jesus Christ!

The softness of God's heart, the gentleness of His temper, and the generous grace He offers are unmatched! There are no other so-called “gods” that offer and or can even guarantee what Jesus does! There are no other people who have even come close to living a perfect life as Jesus Christ did. In today's message, Pastor Mark will highlight God's consideration and love. While you were stuck in your sin, while you were constantly denying God, He still pursued you…And He will continue to pursue you! Even through your rebellion, God shows His character by loving you unconditionally!

You've probably heard that we're made in the image of God; you can see that in Genesis 1, but what does that really mean? What does it mean, and what all does it entail for you and me to be made in the image of God? In today's message, Pastor Mark will share the ins and outs of being created in the image of God. Image can also mean likeness. So, we're also made in the likeness of God. That means we have the same tendencies, possibly the same passions, and we have the same emotions. What makes God sovereign is that He is all-knowing, so His choices and emotions are perfectly just and perfectly timed!

Confession and repentance are admitting to sin. A large number of people's sin is that they give in to temptations… but confessing and repenting won't change their desires; it only brings them to the light. Acknowledging the sin and desires in our lives is the first step to real life transformation! In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach on the biblical steps of heart transformation and life change. You must take action in removing yourself from your temptations and towards Jesus to have real change! The answer isn't trying really hard not to sin, it's being so close to Jesus you have no want to sin!

If we're not concerned with the influence we have on our children, or the influence the church has on our children, they will be influenced by the world. We obviously don't want that! We must be intentional about living biblical lives that teach our children first-hand who Jesus is and what He can do!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be deliberate about loving like Jesus, reading your Bible, and praying. When you do all this, you can teach your children, by your actions, to do the same! Then there will be no room or miscommunication for the world to tell them any lies!

You may be someone who has truly honoured God and walked alongside Him with faithfulness. Yet, the foe really tries to throw you off balance and make things tough for you. Sometimes, you might find yourself at the point of cracking under pressure and stepping away from your faith. But is there any peace as you become distant from God? Today, Pastor Mark invites you to reconnect with God. If you've turned your back on Him, it looks like you're on a path that could lead to some serious struggles. But you know what? It's always a good time to return! Imagine God standing there, arms wide open, just waiting for you to come back to Him!

There was a time when the United States wore its faith like a badge of honour, fully leaning on God for strength and guidance. But do you realize that our country seems to have taken a bit of a downturn over the last few years? It seems like crime rates are on the rise, the political climate is pretty bleak, and folks are really feeling the pinch with food and other essentials getting more expensive. Do you know the reason behind all of this? Today, Pastor Mark talks about how we, as a nation, need to turn back to God and seek His help. As believers, we need to pray for our country so that our reliance can once again start being on God alone!

Isn't it interesting how little kids often shy away from admitting they've had a little mishap in their bed? Perhaps they're a bit shy about admitting their slip-ups. Yet, when the moment arrives, parents handle everything with a heart full of love and zero judgment. Similarly, you might find yourself grappling with a secret sin that's been keeping you captive for quite a while. Perhaps you're feeling a bit shy about opening up to someone about this. So, how often do you find yourself talking about your problems with your Creator? Today, Pastor Mark is here to inspire you to reach out for God's help in overcoming sin.

It doesn't matter how often you attempt to fill up a tank; if there's a leak, the water will just keep slipping away each time. In a similar way, as a believer, you may find that each time you attempt to recharge with God's Spirit, it feels like you're being drained instead. So, have you ever paused to find the little leaks in your spiritual journey? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to take a moment to reflect and discover what might be holding you back. It's possible that some habits or addictions could be the ones causing the trouble. Once you let go of those things, you'll find that God steps in to help you heal and refresh your spirit!

No matter how tough you are as a soldier, there's something about facing a tank that can really make you feel small. In a similar vein, there are those particular sins in your life that can feel like a heavy tank, weighing you down and pushing you to the point of surrender. It could be a lingering mistake from your past or a habit that just won't budge. Hey, do you know that God can really help you tackle those tough sins you're dealing with? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to seek God's help. Having Him by your side means you can confidently take on the tank-like sins in your life that are trying to hold you back.

To come out on top in the fight against your foe, you need to land a decisive hit. In a believer's journey, it's not just Satan that poses a challenge; your own sin nature can be quite the adversary, too. It holds you back from forming a deep connection with God. No matter how hard you try, it can be a real challenge to resist or defeat your sin nature. Today, Pastor Mark shares a powerful reminder about wielding God's Word like a sword to combat sin. Whenever that pesky sin nature tries to creep in, you can take charge by declaring the Word of God over those vulnerable spots in your life. That's the only way to defeat it!

America has been blessed by God because we've relied on Him. However, you might observe that people's dependence on God has significantly decreased in recent years. Could that be troubling news for the country? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the topic of God's judgment and shares some thoughts on how the church can help our nation rise again. When we turn our backs on God, it feels like we've opened the door to His judgment as a nation. As believers, we have the wonderful opportunity to pray and raise awareness, ensuring that our trust in God guides us right from the start of every decision we make!

Study books need to keep getting fresh updates! We've set it up so you can stay in the loop with all the exciting discoveries our scientists are making! But did you know there's a book out there that stands the test of time, always resonating with every generation? Pretty fascinating, right? Today, Pastor Mark shares insights on how God's Word serves as a guiding light for people across all generations. God has laid out His roadmap in His Word, guiding you to find the right path when you're feeling lost or a bit confused. Take a moment to read your Bible. It's like having a conversation with God, guiding you on the right path!

You might have heard that our world is on a path toward some serious consequences and reckoning. Satan realises his time here is running out, so he's pulling out all the stops to take down as many as possible. He tricks people into living in a fantasy about who they are and their gender. He keeps them from catching a glimpse of the truth. That's how he leads them on a journey far from connecting with God. So, how do you, as someone who believes in Christ, connect with these types of people? Do you just despise them? Today, Pastor Mark invites you to share the truth with these folks, but remember to do it with love!

Have you ever thought about what your life in heaven might look like? Some folks think that even in heaven, they might still feel a longing for their spouses or family members. Have you ever thought about how heaven could be like a fresh start for you? Today, Pastor Mark paints a picture of what it would be like to live in heaven with God. Get ready for a total memory wipe! You'll find that no one from your past life will ring a bell. Imagine shedding all the weight of the burdens you've been carrying, only to be wrapped in the warm embrace of God's peace. It's a beautiful thought, isn't it? Everything in heaven will be new!

Reading God's Word, where He promises to protect you even amidst His judgment on the world, can really stir up some doubts, can't it? You may be thinking, how can God judge the world without including you in His wrath, right? Just think about how God saved Noah! It's such a striking story, especially when you consider that the entire world was swept away by the flood. Today, Pastor Mark shares a comforting reminder that God's grace and protection are always with His children. Even if you face some tough times ahead, just remember that a miraculous solution is on the way from above to guide you through!

When a teenager goes against their parents' wishes or gets into a disagreement, it's not like they turn their backs on their child. They allow him the room to understand his mistakes, but their love for him remains as strong as ever. In the end, it's when you open up to your parents about how you feel that they really step in to help. Our connection with God is a lot like that. Today, Pastor Mark invites you to reconnect with your Creator. He's still right there with you, not leaving your side or letting you slip from his mind. Even if you have strayed away from God, He's patiently waiting for you to realise your mistakes and come back to Him.

During dinner with the folks, when mom whips up something special beyond the usual veggies, kids often dive into the greens first. They want to save the delicious part for last, making it a sweet ending to the meal! I did the same thing, too! Guess what? God also has some amazing food and drink just waiting for you! Today, Pastor Mark shares a delightful message about the scrumptious food and exquisite wine that every believer can look forward to in heaven. God has always offered you the very best, including His one and only Son, Jesus, to bring you salvation. Just picture how amazing the food and wine in heaven will be!

If you jump into a competition and decide to bend the rules or find a sneaky loophole, you might just get disqualified from getting the prize. When you embrace a life of obedience and align yourself with the plan that God has in store for you, just know there's a wonderful reward waiting for you in heaven. So, what's the deal if you decide to stray from the path, cheat a little, or just go off and do your own thing instead of following God? So, Pastor Mark has a little reminder for you today: don't let that heavenly reward slip away! Your salvation is secure, but remember, not following God's ways can cost you some great prizes.

Many folks like to share that they have faith in Jesus. But is just believing really enough to get them to heaven? Even the demons in the Bible knew who Jesus was and recognised Him right away. However, that didn't grant them Salvation, and the same goes for anyone who merely knows about Jesus. What truly sets everything apart is the moment you welcome Him into your life. Today, Pastor Mark shares insights on what it truly means to simply know Jesus as your Saviour versus receiving Him. When you turn away from your mistakes and invite Jesus to transform your life, that's the moment you genuinely embrace Salvation!

The Bible mentions a total of four temples that are set to be built. The enemies of Israel have already taken out the first two. So, what's the deal with the third and fourth? According to the Bible, the construction of the third temple is set to happen during the reign of the Antichrist. He's going to seize the temple and proclaim himself a deity. As we reach the end of this seven-year judgment period, the third temple is destined for destruction too. So, what's the deal with the fourth? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares some exciting insights about how God will build the fourth temple, which will be known as the millennial temple!

When you dive into learning an instrument, it's all about getting a grip on the basics first! Your music teacher is going to make sure you've got the basics down before diving into the advanced stuff. Hey, have you ever thought about how that same idea fits into a believer's life, too? You might be questioning why it feels like God is holding you back from moving ahead. In today's message, Pastor Mark talks about the reason for your hard-stuck life. You may find yourself wrestling with a pesky habit that's unacceptable to God. He wants you to let go of that bad habit so He can guide you to the next exciting chapter in your life!

When you move from being a child to a teenager, it's like stepping into a whole new world of change. It's like you're clearing out the treasure chest of childhood toys to make room for fresh adventures, like new books and other exciting finds! Did you know that when you receive Jesus, something amazing happens? It's like a whole new chapter begins! Today, Pastor Mark shares some thoughts on how God transforms you from within. Once you embrace Salvation, those old habits simply no longer have a place. Jesus transforms your life by replacing old habits with His amazing gifts and the unique plan He has just for you.

Have you ever noticed how various religions have their own unique idols or objects that people bow down to and worship? Take India, for instance; it's fascinating to think that there are around 330 million gods that the Hindus hold dear to their hearts. Have you ever thought about the idea that these so-called gods might actually be demons and fallen angels in disguise? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the intriguing topic of why folks find themselves bowing down to false gods. Satan likes to keep people stuck in the confines of misleading beliefs. As a believer, it's important to stay mindful and steer clear of any of these false deities.

Those who haven't encountered Jesus often go about their days as if the future doesn't exist. They would let their lives slip away through drugs and a life of crime. Satan plays his role by clouding their vision of the impending judgment and fury of God. Yet, there are moments when we, as believers, find ourselves living quietly, holding back from sharing the gospel with those around us or letting them know about the impact of their choices. In today's message, Pastor Mark is here to inspire you to find your voice as a believer and share God's Word! You can spread the joy and hope that Jesus brings to everyone you meet!

Have you ever thought about why folks often suggest that starting to learn an instrument is best when you're young? As we grow older, it seems like our knack for understanding and making sense of things starts to fade a bit more each year. In today's message, Pastor Mark shares his thoughts on why it seems like young people often embrace faith more readily than their older counterparts. As you age, your heart tends to harden up, shaped by all the wisdom you've gathered throughout your life's adventure. But you know, God has this amazing way of showing Himself to everyone, regardless of how old they are!

Picture this: you find yourself in a situation where you've been wrongly accused, and now you're on a quest to seek justice from a flawed judicial system. That's pretty much what David was experiencing. Saul found himself consumed by the urge to hunt David down, driven by a relentless desire to end his life. What really stood out about David was his knack for keeping his complaints to himself, unlike the rest of us, who often voice our grievances to God. Today, Pastor Mark shares a heartfelt reminder to embrace patience and have faith in the wonderful plans God has in store for you. Hang tight, my friend. God's in control!

When you mess up, it's totally normal to feel a bit of self-loathing creeping in. You may be experiencing feelings of guilt, disgust, and a sense of unworthiness. But do you realise that Jesus has already lifted your shame on the cross? He carried all your burdens, feeling the weight of the world's sins, even facing rejection from His own heavenly Father. Today, Pastor Mark invites you to embrace a life filled with righteousness. Sometimes, sin can take you by surprise and bring you down. But hey, that doesn't mean God has stopped loving you! Thanks to Jesus, the heavenly Father sees you as completely innocent!

Isn't it amazing how our body functions so beautifully? It reacts when necessary, all thanks to our eyes and ears. Picture this: you're blindfolded, and out of nowhere, someone swings at you. Your body might not be prepared for that impact and could go into shock. That's precisely what Jesus encountered before His crucifixion. In today's message, Pastor Mark dives into the incredible depth of pain that Jesus faced just for you. Today, Jesus wants you to know just how deeply He loves you—enough to embrace all that pain, suffering, and humiliation Himself. He desires that you come back to Him. He wants to save you from the grip of sin!

At some point in your life, you've definitely had a blast with a water balloon, right? One minute you're casually holding it, and the next, bam! You're hit with a splash of water all over you. God's joy is a bit like that. Today, Pastor Mark invites you to trust in God's plan. It seems like you could be facing some trials, and those plans of yours might not be unfolding as you hoped. But do you believe in the timing that God has in store for you and the plans He's laid out for your life? Once you do, you'll experience this amazing rush of joy in your life that only God can provide. He'll definitely make His way to you, my friend. Hang tight!

When someone throws shade or insults you right to your face, you definitely don't just sit there in silence, do you? You find your voice and stand strong against the hurtful remarks. That's just how people tend to be. But have you ever thought about why Jesus chose to stay silent when He was insulted? Why didn't He fight back when people were spitting on Him? Today, Pastor Mark shares a heartfelt message about how Jesus embraced all the shame with humility, all to save you. While He faced insults and torture, the one thought that filled His mind was you! His love for you fueled him with the strength to endure all the shame!

It might seem like you can just drop off your tithes and offerings to God and then carry on chasing your worldly dreams and ambitions. So, how much of yourself are you willing to share with Jesus? How often do you find yourself reflecting on how to serve Him through your life? Today, Pastor Mark shares an enlightening insight into how much God longs for your commitment to Him. When you put your own dreams and desires on hold to wholeheartedly serve Jesus, you can trust that God will do amazing things in your life! God notices your willingness to serve, and He'll bring to life all the desires of your heart!

As you dive into the Bible and explore its insights on future world politics, there's one figure that really grabs your attention. It's the antichrist! The Word of God shares that in the final days, the West will triumph over nations such as Russia, Iran, and China. Have you ever thought about how the antichrist might just be the one to breathe new life into those fallen nations once again? Today, Pastor Mark shares insights on how the antichrist is set to seize control of the world through the influence of fallen nations. He'll rally the army to conquer the globe, using them to spread his propaganda against all those who believe in Christ.

God loves you. His love for you is so great that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to be sacrificed for your sins. He loves you so much, He'll meet you right where you're at if you turn to Him, despite Him being the most powerful being there is. He doesn't have to interact with you at all, but He does, and much more. God loved you when you were a sinner. He loves you as a believer. Nothing can separate you from His love. In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that there's nowhere you can run from God's love. He said He loves you. All His words are true, and that includes the things He says concerning you.

When God gets involved in something, you won't doubt that it's Him. When He gave prophecies to Isaiah, it left no doubt that it was from Him. Everything He said came to pass, and some are yet to happen. But you can be sure that everything is true, because it's undeniable when God starts to move through someone. In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you that you don't have to doubt what God's Word says. It's not true in some parts and not in others. All of it, from Genesis to Revelation, is 100% true. The prophecies will come to pass. The stories are accurate. You have nothing to fear or doubt when it comes to God.

There's no God like the God of the Bible. He's omniscient, omnipotent, and knows everything about you. He's the source of everything and can do anything. That's the God you serve. That's the God Who won't let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He's all-powerful, and still intimately involved in your life. The world's gods and myths can sound interesting, but they aren't God. They can't do what He can do. Today, Pastor Mark will make sure you have no doubt that God is powerful and actively works in the lives of modern believers. There's nothing you need to fear with Him on your side. No one is greater than God.

If God gives someone a prophecy, it's true. He's all-knowing, so everything coming from Him is completely accurate. The Holy Spirit lives inside believers today and can give the gift of prophecy. If you want to know the truth, ask God. He can reveal it. He can lead you through all the moments of your life if you let Him. When you read the prophecies in the Old Testament, you're reading truth. The only ones you can't prove haven't happened yet, but they will. Today, Pastor Mark will make it clear that God is the source of all truth, power, and wisdom. What He says is always true. There's no deceit in Him, and He only speaks truth.

Prophecies given by God are accurate – 100% of the time. In the Old Testament, it was a position God gave you to be a prophet. If He wanted to move in someone, He did. And when He did, it was with specificity and boldness. God knows all and is everywhere, so when He spoke through a prophet, you could be sure it was true. You don't see prophecy today like in the Old Testament, but there is a gift of prophecy from the Holy Spirit. As you'll get to see today with Pastor Mark, God can speak into your heart things that you can know for certain are true. That's why there aren't prophets now – everyone can be led by God and hear from Him directly.

God will destroy the earth someday, along with all the false gods and idols that have ever been made. He'll show that He truly is the one true God that you can trust to save you for eternity. There's no one like Him, and He has all the power to save and destroy. He knows all, sees all, and is everywhere at all times. There's no God like God from the Bible. He's still actively working in the world now, just like He was way back then. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that you serve a God Who's so great, you can't comprehend Him. So don't get distracted by the other false doctrines of the world. Look to God.

Besides God, there is no God. There are lots of distractions out there trying to pull your attention in different directions. Despite the daily deluge of doctrines and dogmas, one God remains in control through it all, and that's the God of the Bible – the one true God that can give you eternal life if you turn to Him. Pastor Mark is going to remind you in today's message that God is the only true God. With so many beliefs and doctrines in the world today, it can be overwhelming just to know what's true. That's where faith and the Bible come in. You'll know the God of the Bible is the true God when you experience the joy only He can give.

The God of the Bible is the one true God. He formed the earth and everything in it, and no creature or person is as powerful as Him. That's the God you serve. That's the God you can put your trust in to not only save you for eternity, but also guide and direct your steps here on earth. God's an amazing provider. There's nothing you need to fear when God's on your side. In today's message, Pastor Mark will point your focus to God. That's where it should always be. The world has all kinds of doctrines about other gods and reality, but they all fall short of bringing purpose and eternal life to your soul like the God of the Bible.

Revival can start anywhere. God can move anywhere at any time. He changes hearts, fills people with everlasting peace and joy, and with His Holy Spirit. You just have to ask Him to fill you. Ask Him to come into your life and guide you with His wisdom. He'll give you a joy unlike any that the world could ever offer. In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to turn your eyes to Jesus. Look to Him for the forgiveness of your sins. God moves through the lives of people, not afraid to go when He calls. Revival happens when the individual turns to Jesus and shares Him with others, so they can experience that joy and peace, too.

God is a God of healing. He can restore you from your old past life of sin. He can take away your guilt, shame, and condemnation. He can make you new and full of joy. All you have to do is come before Him and ask. He's waiting to make a change in your life that you won't regret. What's stopping you from asking? You can be filled with The Holy Spirit and have your joy restored. God can grant peace in your soul and make what has happened in the past as if it never did. In today's message, Pastor Mark will point you to where you can experience that healing. It's not money. It's not relationships with people. It's not material. It's God.

The LORD should be the center of everything you do. He gives your life. He blesses you. He makes a way for you to enter Heaven to spend eternity with Him. The focus in any church should be on the Holy God Who's the reason for the church in the first place. Without Him, nothing would have been made that's been made. In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you the importance of keeping God first in your life. Others shouldn't have their attention on you when you're worshipping in church. Worship is about God, and to praise and glorify Him. Does how you worship distract others from God? He deserves all the glory and attention.