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

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.

People are going to think all kinds of things; every single person is going to have their own set of opinions and beliefs; That includes making opinionated comments and decisions based on their interpretation of the Bible. Everyone thinks differently; that is a beautiful gift, but the Bible doesn't change based on what you want. In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to seek God and to read His Word so you can know the truth. Don't take what a pastor, a website, or even a friend says to heart as fact; fact-check against God's Word! The Bible hasn't and won't change, so base your truth on the faithful Word of God!

It isn't as normal, or rather heard of, to make idols or to worship other gods. We don't live in a society where everyone goes to a pagan temple once a week to make their sacrifice and worship Baal. Don't get me wrong, some people do still worship pagan gods, but nowadays we have made all kinds of new idols. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach that anything can be an idol. Traditionally, you may think an idol is just a physical object or person that someone idolizes, but anything can be idolized…Your phone, your job, and even your family. Anything that you value more or put above God is an idol.

The Lord is a mighty lion, but He is also a righteous and gentle lamb. The Lord is a strong leader who will protect, AND He's also a tender leader who guides us and teaches us along the way. When we don't know what to do, when we're surrounded on all sides, He is there to both guide and protect. In today's message, Pastor Mark will reveal some of the many characteristics that the Lord has and is. Whatever you need, whether a gentle touch or a shove in the right direction, God is there to help you grow! Even when things aren't going well, God will provide a way for you to endure or move forward!

True and full surrender to God can make all the world of difference when it comes to your faith walk. God can do whatever He wants, but He still gives us the space and the opportunity to choose Him. He will never force anything. He will always give you the choice to obey and to walk with HIM! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to invite God into your life! Allow God to truly rule and reign over all your decisions, over your mindset, and over all you do! When you surrender to God, there is nothing that can stop Him from blessing your life beyond your imagination!

God isn't limited in any way by any means. There isn't anything that can put parameters or even understanding on the ways of God. He is outside of what any person could imagine, control, or tame. The Lord's ways and His thought process are far greater and more powerful than what a human could comprehend. In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that God is outside of the natural; He isn't confined by human nature as you and I are. He is supernatural, meaning everything He does is done without the worries and limited understanding that you and I have to live and make decisions based on.

The unfortunate reality is that God does allow hard times to come our way. He does. The reason He does so is to grow our faith and trust in Him. It is so detrimental to our growth as Christians that we trust God to come to our rescue, whether it be physical protection or mental peace during turmoil. In today's message, Pastor Mark will share a little bit of how God came through for him when he trusted His guidance. God will show up; He never leaves His children alone or abandoned. So, whatever you may be going through, remember that God is with you always and will save you in your time of need!

Just like we'll see with Hezekiah, God sometimes allows difficult things to happen so His faithfulness can shine through! God uses hardships to shape us and to reveal His goodness to us and to those who witness what is happening. Our lives, including the ups and downs, are a testament to God's goodness! In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that when people question or challenge your beliefs, God will back you 100% of the time! When hard times come, and they will come, people will ask where your God is, and the way you allow God to shape you will be proof of His love and faithfulness!!!

The world can be a scary place; lots of things happen that can be detrimental to our way of life and to our peace. But the Lord says not to be fearful! There is no reason to fear the things of this world, because He is always in control and His plan will come to fruition! God remains in control no matter what happens!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you through whatever it is you may be facing. God is in control! There is no reason to fear any disasters because God is the god of peace and protection! If you've accepted Jesus, there is a place for you in heaven; death isn't in your future!!!

Preaching the Word and sharing the Gospel isn't about sharing your opinions or viewpoints. Sharing about Jesus is about sharing about Jesus. Nothing more, and surely nothing less. Anytime you get the chance to hear or share about Jesus, you should always fact-check with the Word of God! In today's message, Pastor Mark will share that you should even fact-check what he preaches. You shouldn't take any pastor's word for it; you should always check with the Bible and see what truth is and what may be an opinion. There is no mistaking the Bible, so make sure you know the Word, so you can share the Word!

What does it mean to fear God? Are we supposed to live in fear of being struck down because of our sins? No! In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that fearing God is a respect and understanding of reverence for the creator of the universe! It is knowing who He is and what He is capable of! Fearing the Lord isn't supposed to make us live an anxious life; it is supposed to keep us humble. Yes, at any moment God can stick us down. But, because of what Jesus did, we can live in right standing with God! We are forgiven from ALL our sins and can live holy by the blood of Jesus Christ!

How often do you find yourself being generous or going out of your way to serve someone else? Is it daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly? The Bible tells us that God loves a humble and generous servant! God wants to bless and honor the righteous person so they can overflow onto all people!!! In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that God isn't a vending machine. You can't put in good works and get blessings and good fortune out. God wants your heart to be honest and humble, and that person, He will bless beyond their imagination! So, how can you humbly serve someone else today?

Have you heard about the Passover festival that the Israelites celebrate? The whole idea revolved around the blood of the lamb that was applied to their house doors, and that's what kept the folks inside their homes safe from the death angel's visit. It represents how the wrongdoings of the people are hidden away by the sacrifice of the innocent. Have you ever thought about how this mirrors what Jesus did to save you? Today, Pastor Mark shares how Jesus saved you by laying down His life on the cross for your sins. Thanks to His sacrifice, when the heavenly Father sees you, He sees righteousness shining through!

Ever notice how, when your to-do list is overflowing, your brain just kind of hits the pause button? It's like a little mental vacation, isn't it? When you finally get home, you feel completely drained and a bit fed up. Yet, when you drift off to sleep at night, you might find that you wake up with a burst of fresh thoughts and creative ideas. Finding refuge in God feels quite similar. Today, Pastor Mark shares some insights on how God can bring you rest and rejuvenation. With Jesus by your side, you'll find a fresh strength to tackle your challenges head-on. Regardless of the hardships the enemy tosses in your direction, victory will be yours!

The way sin impacts us can be quite intense, leading us to search for a clever workaround to take advantage of. One of those tricky ideas is thinking that God will just forgive me no matter what, so I can keep doing my thing and then just ask for forgiveness later. Hey, have you thought about how your actions might come back to you down the road? Today, Pastor Mark has an important message for you about steering clear of a sinful life. It might feel like those tempting urges are beyond your control. But Jesus is there to help you push back against your sinful nature and keep it from taking control of your life.

There's this ongoing conversation about creation and evolution that just keeps getting more interesting. Scientists are really determined to show that evolution is the journey that shaped us into the humans we are today. So, what's the deal with some real evidence? Looks like they don't have it, huh? On the flip side, creation really gets its due, not only from a biblical angle but also from a scientific viewpoint. In today's message, Pastor Mark dives into a lively discussion about creation versus evolution, sharing his thoughts on why he believes creation holds more weight than evolution. You've been crafted in the very image of God!

As you read in the Bible, you'll find plenty of connections between yourself and the people from the Old Testament. Just like you, they were a bit puzzled by the book of Revelation, too. The final book of the Bible definitely has a way of capturing our interest, doesn't it? Have you ever thought about how God wants to share the secrets of the world's final days through that book? In today's message, Pastor Mark dives into the fascinating world of the book of Revelation and why it's so crucial to understand its meaning. The Holy Spirit is here to guide you in grasping what's inside the book. God definitely wants you to know!