Come To The Table

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.

Have you ever thought of why Jesus spent so much time on the earth before He died for us? If dying for us was just a transaction that Jesus had to fulfill, why didn't He just come and get it over with? Because Jesus came for more than a transaction. Jesus came to build a relationship with us, and relationships are built on shared experience. Pastor Mark will explain to you today how Jesus came to have a relationship with you. He wanted to walk on the same earth you walk on and feel what your hands and feet are like. He ate food, and He felt the pain of hunger. He did all of this for you because He loves you and wants you to know that He knows what it's like to be human. 

It can be tempting to take matters into our own hands when we think that people in authority are doing wrong. There are definitely ways to be respectful and law-abiding, and still let our voices be heard. When that doesn't seem to make a difference, what can we do? We can trust that God is in control. In his message today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to have faith in God's justice. You may think your boss or government officials are being unjust. You don't have to be silent, but rest assured that everyone will be accountable for their actions in the next life. God will judge even the ones He placed in authority.

Respecting authority can be a difficult thing. Our culture teaches us to be independent and think for ourselves. While it's important not to blindly follow authority, especially when we're talking about a secular or government authority, sometimes we have a rebellious streak that isn't rooted in scripture. Pastor Mark will challenge you today to be very careful about choosing not to follow the rules and laws set up by the people in charge. Remember that God is the ultimate authority and puts those people in positions of power. You should only go against them when they are giving you mandates that clearly break God's laws.

What part of your body do you look forward to being restored in heaven? Imagine having legs that let you run like when you were a kid. You're going to be able to read without glasses. The pain in your neck and shoulders will be gone, and you won't even need coffee to have enough energy. It's going to be incredible! Today, Pastor Mark will get you thinking about what it will be like when God brings a new heaven and a new earth. It's kind of mind-blowing to think that you've never seen what God meant the earth to look like. You're living in a post-fall world. What will the flowers be like on a new Earth? There's so much to look forward to.

Do you believe God wants you to be free and healed? Maybe you think you're not important enough to be healed. Why would God heal insignificant you? Maybe you think your sin was too great. You don't deserve to be healed. It's time to let go of that kind of thinking. God wants to set you free from everything holding you back. Pastor Mark will urge you in his message today to believe that God wants to heal you. God wants to transform you to be more like Jesus and be able to be a shining light in the world. You don't need to hold on to all the hurt and the pain. You can let go of the emotional stumbling blocks that keep tripping you up.

Have you ever fallen asleep while driving? Even for just a moment? It's pretty scary. Obviously, it's dangerous to drive a car with your eyes closed. There can be many obstacles that you can't avoid. It's the same in life. You need to keep your eyes open to see the problems that are coming your way. Pastor Mark will urge you today not to fall asleep in life like the disciples did in the Garden of Gethsemane. Stay awake and pray. That's the best way to be prepared for the obstacles that come your way. You have work, school, or parenting decisions to make, and you can't sleepwalk through them. You need to be praying.

We've all set an alarm sometime in our lives. The night before, we decide when to get up in the morning. When the alarm goes off, we get up and act on the decision we made the night before. That's what Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. He died on the cross on Friday, but He made the final decision on Thursday night. Today, Pastor Mark will encourage you to spend time with God in a kind of spiritual garden. You can read about Him in His Word and spend time in prayer. God will take those times to mold you into Jesus' image and help you decide to surrender more and more of your life. Then you can act out those decisions in your life.

When you look around and see the world falling apart with all its chaos and wrongdoing, it's natural to wonder why God permits such terrible things like the abortion of children or the assault of women. But have you ever thought about how it's really humanity that's responsible for everything, not God? Today, Pastor Mark tells you how sin has woven its way into the fabric of our world. When sin came into the world through Adam and Eve, it didn't come alone; it brought along crime and destruction as its unwelcome companions. God feels deep sorrow when He sees wrongdoing, which is why He sent Jesus to save everyone!

When Jesus kicked off His ministry, he faced a lot of mockery from folks, who labeled Him as evil. It seems like there's a shared vibe in this generation where it feels like people have been tricked into thinking that what's truly evil is actually good, while the good stuff gets a bad rap. In today's message, Pastor Mark shares knowledge on how to spot the enemy's schemes. God can help you make people aware of the enemy's plans. He can help you spark a light in others, guiding them to see their need for God. Hey there! The best thing you can do as a believer is spread the love of Jesus to everyone around you!

There are moments when we let the mistakes in our lives roam around without a care. It not only pulls you further away each day, but it also builds a wall between you and God. Imagine living in a house with a fierce wild animal that could pounce on you at any moment! Today, Pastor Mark shares some insights on how to stand strong against your sinful nature. Rather than just accepting your flaws, it's important to fight against that inner pull to drift away from God. Why not invite the Holy Spirit into your journey? He can be a great ally in helping you resist those pesky temptations of your sinful nature. Always try to keep sin at arm's length.

We've stepped into a time where so many false claims are floating around. Sometimes, folks find themselves tricked by others, leaving them either empty-handed or nursing a broken heart from the web of lies spun around them. But did you ever think that the enemy might trick you, even when it comes to your faith? Today, Pastor Mark has an important reminder for you: keep an eye out for those false teachers out there! Just because someone says they're from God doesn't mean they actually are. Satan will do everything he can to lead you astray and away from God, but remember, God's Word will always reveal the truth to you!

What pops into your head when you dive into the idea of being Holy? It's easy to believe that if you live your life a certain way or chat with others in a specific style, it'll make you come across as holy. Did you ever think about how Jesus led a regular life while He was here on Earth, all the while being completely Holy? It's quite a mystery, isn't it? Today, Pastor Mark tells you how to embrace a life that aligns with what God truly desires for you. Rather than putting in all that effort to impress God and be seen as righteous, why not just embrace a regular life? You can simply follow God's Word and stroll along the path He has in mind for you. 

Picture yourself right at the threshold of death. Wouldn't you just want to escape that situation at all costs? Jesus experienced a comparable emotion in the garden of Gethsemane. The thought of enduring pain and suffering, culminating in death on the cross, was almost too heavy for Him to handle. Even though He understood there was no other option, Jesus turned to His heavenly Father and asked if that burden could be lifted from Him. Today, Pastor Mark shares how Jesus took on all the suffering for your life. The one thing that fueled Him through it all was the belief that His sacrifice on the cross would reunite you with God! 

Sometimes, when you're out there sharing the gospel, you might run into a bit of rejection. It might leave you feeling like you've missed the mark on that special mission, the unique purpose that God set out just for you. But have you ever considered that God might be seeing a much bigger picture than you can? Today, Pastor Mark tells you how God has called you for His purpose. You might not be able to save everyone, but you can definitely plant the seeds of hope in their hearts. Then, God will send someone else to come to the rescue of that person. Feel free to share the gospel with others, knowing that God has everything else covered!  

Imagine the thrill of being introduced to the CEO of your favorite car manufacturer or even the President of your country! How amazing would that feel? Did you know that the Creator of the world actually wants to be your friend? How frequently do you connect with Him? Today, Pastor Mark shares some thoughts on why getting to know Jesus is so important. It's only through Him that you can find the gift of eternal life. Everything you encounter in your everyday life is guided by His hands. Isn't it incredible to think about how fortunate you are that the Creator of the universe has saved you and loves you more than anything else?

Living life without Jesus is a bit like taking a joyride in a car with no one behind the wheel. You might feel a bit lost about what to do next, and there's a chance you could crash along the way. When you welcome Jesus into your heart as your savior, He breathes new life into you and offers you a fresh start. But does that really mean He wants you to stick to the same old way of living? Today, Pastor Mark shares an inspiring message about how you were made to shine a light on God's glory. Why not skip the usual paths and focus on bringing glory to Jesus in all that you do? It's a beautiful choice! That's everything He wants from you!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the world and weighed down by the pressures of opposition or temptation? In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that Jesus has overcome the world. He has provided a path for us to experience joy and hope even amid our daily troubles. He is ever-present in our lives. God not only gives us joy amidst the pressures of this world but also offers us hope. Knowing the end of the story—that Jesus is victorious—reassures us of His control and sovereignty. When we cry out to Jesus and fully appropriate His grace, He grants us peace. Through Jesus, we can have complete victory in life.

Why is there such animosity between Jews and Palestinians? Does Palestine have a historical claim to the Holy Land? In his message today, Pastor Mark provides insight to help us understand the conflict still going on in the Middle East. He shares a history of Israel from Biblical times to the present day. God designated the land of Israel for His chosen people, the Israelites. Jerusalem has always been the capital of their nation. Throughout history, God has preserved His people. The name "Palestine" originates from the Philistines, a group that no longer exists, and Palestine has never been recognized as an official state.

Jesus often used parables in His teachings because many of His followers lacked knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. Today, Pastor Mark explains that the general population during Biblical times spoke Aramaic, while the Scriptures were written in Hebrew. Even Jesus' disciples could not understand them. The disciples, lacking knowledge of the Bible, resembled new believers. Although they had been educated in religious practices, their teachers were priests who did not have a deep understanding of God. Like many people today, they followed religious traditions but lacked a relationship with God.

Embrace the journey of transformation that the Lord is leading you through. Today, in his message, Pastor Mark explains how just as a mother endures pain to bring new life into the world, there is new life at the end of your struggle. The labor you're experiencing is tough, but it's paving the way for something beautiful. Take heart in the sorrow and discomfort, knowing that you are being shaped into the image of Jesus. These challenges have a purpose and the reward you'll receive is so much greater than the pain. Your suffering is NOT in vain - the Lord is doing an important work in your heart and in your life. Step forward in faith!

Take a moment to reflect-- is the Holy Spirit truly welcome in your life? Today in his teaching, Pastor Mark shares about a woman in the Bible named Rebecca. When Abraham's servant showed up, she and her family were hospitable and gracious. This is the same way that you should treat the Holy Spirit. Consider the T.V. shows you watch, the language you use, your social media, and the way you treat others. Are you cultivating a welcoming environment for the Holy Spirit to dwell in? If not, ask the Lord to show you the areas in your life that grieve Him. Respond in obedience by making adjustments that please the Spirit.

Are you ready to embrace the incredible promise of your inheritance? Today in his message, Pastor Mark explains that as a follower of Jesus, you will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. So don't get caught up in chasing after material things like cars, and mansions. These things will never bring you true satisfaction. Nothing on earth will compare to the glory of Heaven and the eternal blessing of God's presence. Do not let the fleeting allure of earthly wealth distract you from the real treasures that await you in God's Kingdom. Instead, keep your focus on eternity as you share the Good News of Jesus with those who don't know Him.

Imagine experiencing the freedom that comes from having your sins wiped away. That freedom is yours when you say “yes” to Jesus. He takes the sins of your past and washes you white as snow. There is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. He lavishes you with grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Today Pastor Mark urges you not to wait for Judgment Day to answer the most important question of your life, “Who do you say Jesus is?” Today is the perfect day to declare Him as your Lord and Savior if you haven't already. There is freedom, forgiveness, and joy in store for you when you decide to follow Jesus.

Life can often feel overwhelming. Just because you're a Christian, doesn't mean your troubles disappear. In fact, challenges are part of the journey. But here's the good news-- you are never alone in your struggles. The Holy Spirit is with you, offering comfort and strength when you need it the most. Today Pastor Mark shares about the incredible promise of eternity in heaven that awaits you if you're a follower of Jesus. In your toughest moments, cling to that hope and know that brighter days are ahead. Though the Christian walk can be tough, it is SO worth it. Nothing can compare to eternity with Jesus.

Do you feel alone right now? Perhaps you are navigating a divorce, living in a new place, or grieving a loved one. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages you with the truth that you are never alone. If you're a follower of Jesus, then you have the Holy Spirit with you, bringing you His comfort and His presence. Jesus promises to be with you always. No matter what circumstance you are facing today, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. The Lord is with you. The Holy Spirit is your ultimate advocate, helper, and friend. Spend time being aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and thanking God for the gift of His Spirit.

What's your favorite TV show or movie with aliens? Is it E.T.? Perhaps the whimsical Doctor Who? Maybe you're a fan of the Cold War era, classified Area 51-style aliens. Often, these aliens are in a place where they don't belong. They stick out like a sore thumb, and usually just want to phone home. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that, even though you're a lot better looking than those aliens, you actually have a lot in common. You see, if you're a Christian, this world isn't your home. You're just here until the day Jesus returns and makes all things new. Don't try to blend in… stand out and phone home. 

Do you ever get glares when you talk about Jesus in public? Maybe you're praying over your meal or telling someone you like listening to Pastor Mark's program, and they start acting awkward. Don't worry… it has nothing to do with you. They are just uncomfortable with the thought of Jesus. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that when you face those awkward situations or even scenarios where people are hostile towards you because of your faith, it's not because they hate you. It's because they hate Jesus. You can either choose to retaliate, or respond like Jesus did to the crowd who yelled, “Crucify Him!”

What separates a pine tree, from an apple tree, from a lemon tree, from a Christmas tree? It's not necessarily the color of the leaves or bark, is it? No… it's the type of fruit or nut they produce, right? Some trees produce good fruits, and some, despite how pretty they may be, make no fruit. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that you're not just here to stand in the corner and look pretty. God placed you on this earth to bear good fruit. He wants you to show the world what a healthy relationship with the Holy Spirit can bring into their lives. He wants you to plant seeds so other believers can grow.