Come To The Table

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The gifts of the Holy Spirit can occasionally stir up a bit of confusion in churches when they're not used quite right. Have you ever thought about why folks seem to get sidetracked by how you express your spiritual gifts? So, are you talking about them in relation to the scriptures, or are you using them in the way you understand and intend to? Today, Pastor Mark talks about embracing your spiritual gifts to shine a light on God's glory. Those gifts were designed to draw people nearer to the gospel. When used in the right way, they can truly touch the hearts of those who don't believe, inspiring conviction and a change of heart!

So, there was this moment when Jesus turned to His disciples and shared the heavy news about His fate on the cross. And guess who jumped in? Peter! He just couldn't stand the thought of it and declared that he wouldn't allow it to happen. Jesus understood that it was Satan's voice coming through Peter, so He turned around and rebuked him instead. Sometimes, the enemy might even try to use your loved ones to pull you off the path that God has laid out for you. So, how do you figure out what's truly from God and what might not be? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to reach out for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes, your family might poke a little fun at your spiritual journey and your relationship with Jesus. No matter how much effort you put in, you might discover that guiding them back to Jesus feels like an uphill battle. So, does that mean they're stuck in their ways forever? In today's message, Pastor Mark shares a heartfelt reminder to embrace patience when it comes to God's plans. Even Jesus Himself had a tough time convincing His own brothers to believe. Eventually, they found their way back and rekindled their faith in Jesus. Just hang in there and trust that God is working in the hearts of your loved ones!

When you dive into the Bible, you'll find characters like Moses and Peter who, at first, were pretty scared to talk about God. They worried that speaking up might cost them their lives. Yet, when God's Spirit moved within them, they found the bravery to raise their voices. Every now and then, you might feel that familiar twinge of fear when it comes to speaking on behalf of God. So, how do you get God to speak through you? Today, Pastor Mark invites you to open your heart to God. Handing over the steering wheel of your life to God means you can trust that He'll take you on a journey for His glory. Go ahead and let Him in!

What makes someone choose to put their life on the line for another person? If you knew this person to be the truth and the path to eternal life, then it would make sense, don't you think? The disciples of Jesus truly understood this when they dedicated their lives to Him. They let go of everything they owned and devoted their lives to sharing the gospel, striving to rescue others from the snare of sin. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to embrace the truth and let it guide you. When you welcome Jesus as your Savior, make sure to share that joy with others! Spread the good news to everyone you meet!

Many folks say they'd be on board with the Bible if only they could uncover some solid proof that the events described really happened. Yet, there are moments when you might realize that no matter how much evidence you present, some people just aren't ready to embrace the gospel with an open heart. Today, Pastor Mark suggests that accepting the gospel calls for a humble heart. God is all set to reveal to you every bit of evidence you need to embrace your faith in Him. But take on the journey by nurturing a heart that receives Him, soaking it all in with an open mind. That's the moment when God can stir your heart with conviction!

Have you ever thought about the countless individuals facing hardship daily due to their faith in Jesus? It makes you wonder, could you find the strength to lay down your life for Him if the moment ever arose? Deep down, you might feel like you're destined to stumble when it comes to serving God. Today, Pastor Mark shares an inspiring message about how God's grace equips you to handle whatever life throws your way. As you journey alongside God in spirit and faith, you'll find your courage blossoming, empowering you to tackle challenges with a heart full of joy, all while feeling His presence right there with you!

When Jesus turned to Peter and asked if he loved Him, Peter seemed a bit unsure, taking his time to respond. God understood Peter's heart and recognized that he wasn't quite in the mindset that Jesus hoped for him to be in. Yet, Jesus entrusted him with the important role of looking after His people. There could be moments when you find yourself in a similar spot, facing the same question from God that Peter once did. So, does that mean He just leaves you hanging? Today, Pastor Mark shares how Jesus aims to fulfill His purpose in your life. He hopes you'll take that leap of faith to get to the place where Jesus envisions you to be!

When you ponder the traits that define a great leader, the first thing that pops into your head is that this individual ought to be bold and fearless. Peter possessed all the traits of a great leader, yet he struggled with one crucial aspect: humility and the willingness to acknowledge his imperfections. He required a touch from Jesus to be ready for His purpose. Today, Pastor Mark talks about humility and its vital role in effective leadership. Embracing your mistakes with a touch of sincerity can win you some points with those you lead. God can help you work on your weak areas and guide you to become a good leader!

It's easy to believe that amassing all the wealth in the world would bring you the fulfillment you crave in life. Pursuing your dreams and passions can bring a fleeting wave of joy. So, how long does it stick around? Do you still sense that void in your heart, even after ticking off all those goals on your list? In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages you to pursue the amazing journey of fulfilling God's purpose for your life. No matter what you chase after, true satisfaction might always feel just out of reach. However, when you find your rhythm with God, a deep sense of peace and joy can fill your life like never before!

After Peter denied Jesus three times, a wave of sadness and despair washed over him. When Jesus showed up in front of the disciples, Peter dashed over to him without a moment's hesitation. He felt a deep sense of relief, knowing that his Lord had extended forgiveness to him. Do you sense any similarities? Even when you stumble and stray, God doesn't just turn His back on you. Today, Pastor Mark tells you about the incredible grace and mercy that God offers to you. Peter had a feeling deep down that Jesus would forgive him. No matter how you stumble, Jesus is always there, ready to offer you forgiveness. 

As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be challenging you to abide in Jesus. To “abide” is to live, continue, or remain; so, to abide in Christ is to live in Him or remain in Him. When a person is saved, he or she is described as being “in Christ”, held secure in a permanent relationship. One of the proofs of salvation is sustained abiding in Christ. The saved will continue in their walk with Christ. That is, they will “abide” or remain in Him. God will complete His work in them, and they will bring forth much fruit to the glory of God. Don't allow anything or anyone to cause you to disconnect from the Lord. 

Today, Pastor Mark will explain that God reveals Himself to humans in four primary ways. All that God has created in nature discloses who He is. Our consciences (the human mind and heart) bear witness to the existence of God. He reveals Himself to us through His Word and the person of Jesus Christ. The first two ways God reveals Himself to us are general and limited. But the second two avenues of revelation are personal, full, and complete. God left His throne of divinity in Heaven to be born a baby in a manger, not just to redeem you, but to restore intimate fellowship with Him. He desires a relationship with you! 

Today, Pastor Mark will explain how the sovereignty of God refers to the fact that God is in complete control of the universe. God does not directly cause everything to happen, yet He does allow all that happens to happen. And, ultimately, God's will is going to be accomplished. You can trust that what the Bible claims about God's character is backed up by His ability. Not only does God love you, but He has the ability to care for you. You can rest in the fact that God is actually able to work all things for your good, even when you cannot readily see how that may happen.

Doubt is an experience common to all people. Even those with faith in God struggle with doubt on occasion and say with the man in Mark 9, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”. Some people are hindered greatly by doubt; some see it as a springboard to life, and others see it as an obstacle to be overcome. Today, Pastor Mark will remind you that the remedy to doubt is faith, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Once we have an understanding of what God has done in the past, what He has promised us for the present, and what we can expect from Him in the future, we are able to act in faith instead of doubt.

Did you know that LED lightbulbs last nearly ten times as long as incandescent bulbs while only using one-tenth of the power? However, they aren't going to do much good if they aren't turned on. No matter how many lamps you have in the living room, your hallway will never be bright if the lights stay off. In today's message, Pastor Mark challenges you to take inventory of your spiritual house. Is there a light out? Do you have all of the lights turned on? Jesus says that the only way to Heaven is to be born again… so have you been born again? Has the Holy Spirit lit up that dark room in your spiritual house?

What's stopping you from going out there and sharing your faith? Maybe you're shy and don't like talking to people you don't know. Perhaps you don't like conflict and would rather avoid it. Do you feel like if you did, you would be intruding, and would rather not be a bother? In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that the reason people most often shy away from sharing the Gospel is because they are afraid of getting questions they don't know the answer to. However, if you don't have all the answers, that's okay! As long as you give them the answer… that Jesus died for them on the cross.

Sometimes, when a manager or supervisor gives us instructions, it can be really hard to say, “Yes, sir.” Sometimes, we hear what a politician says and think, “That's a terrible idea!” These things are hard because we have a natural distaste for authority. We are much happier ruling our own lives and being our own bosses. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that when it comes to authority, we ought to follow Jesus's example. Sure, He disrupted the course of history, but He followed God's authority. Imagine what your life would look like if you made God the boss of your life and listened to every word He spoke to you.

One of the qualities of a great leader is their ability to humble themselves and connect with the workers at the bottom of the organizational hierarchy. The most loved CEOs are often the ones who pick up trash off the floor when they see it, check in on their employees, and make themselves available. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that Jesus was like one of those CEOs. He has every right to sit on a distant throne, but He chose to come down and spend time loving His creation… loving you. Aren't you glad that Jesus understands what you're going through? Aren't you glad that He can relate?

There's a saying… “Show me your pocketbook, and I'll show you your priorities.” We could easily replace pocketbook with “calendar,” or even just looking at the screentime report on our iPhones. Have we made work the most important thing in our life? What about the TV show we're watching? A hobby? In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that your priorities are important. They are what you do prior to anything else. The concern is… where is God in that list? What are you doing prior to spending time worshipping or talking to the Lord? Is there anything higher on the list than Him that you're embarrassed by?

What do Tim Cook, Michelle Obama, and Howard Schultz all have in common? Aside from at least one “O” in their name, they are all incredibly early risers. Apple CEO Tim Cook in particular is known for starting his day at 3:45 a.m. Some of us don't even get to bed by then, let alone even consider waking up before dawn! In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that walking with the Lord isn't always the easiest. In a busy, busy world, you will never be able to add more hours to your day… so you might as well use what's there. If you're struggling to find time to speak to God, you might just need to become an early riser yourself!

We've all been in that situation… sitting in a room full of people we don't know, tempted to look at our phone instead of striking up conversations. We look around and don't feel like we fit in, so we decide to keep to ourselves instead. We often think that if we stay in our lane, we won't be rejected… thus fitting in, in a way. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach you that even if you don't feel like you fit in with the crowd, there's always a place for you. In fact, you were designed not to fit in with this world, because you're supposed to be part of something different entirely. You're supposed to fit into the Kingdom of God.

If you've witnessed the birth of a child, you know that it is a messy, painful, but beautiful thing. So much work goes into delivering that beautiful baby girl; the moment she arrives, you know it's all worth it. Just as there's beauty in the birth of a child, there's beauty in the birth of the Kingdom of God. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach you just how messy the birth of God's kingdom was, but at the same time, how beautiful a story it is. There's blood… there's water… there's tears. When Jesus's side was pierced on the cross, the Kingdom was born as He died, so that you could have eternal life.

What a great analogy! Why would you make a mortgage payment when the house is already paid in full? That's ridiculous, and it's a waste of money. Some of us are trying to do that with our salvation, though. We're trying to "make payments" of doing good works because we think it will count towards being saved. Today, Pastor Mark will expel the myth of earning your way to heaven. There's nothing you can do to pay for your sin. It's useless to pay for something that's been paid in full, and that's what's happened to your sin. Jesus died on the cross and settled your debt, so stop trying to earn your way into a relationship with Him.