Come To The Table

This world is filled with hurt, sorrow, and brokenness. As you look at what's going on around you and in your own life, you realize you need hope for a better future. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches you that the only unshakeable and everlasting hope is in Jesus Christ and His eventual return. Jesus promised His followers that He would return to bring them home and make everything right. When He does, there will be no more sin, pain, sickness, or death. You will have infinite joy as you live in eternal fellowship with Jesus and other believers. If you need that kind of everlasting hope, come to Jesus today! 

Our culture encourages us to indulge in our sexual desires and lustful passions. We're told to gratify ourselves with whomever we want, and whenever we want. But as Christians, we're called to a higher standard when it comes to sex. God created sex, and He designed sex to be between a man and a woman in marriage. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches that because God set the boundaries for sex, you need to adhere to those boundaries. Use wisdom to create strong boundaries for yourself so that you're not put into places and situations that will lead you into temptation. You can be a light to the world by honoring God with your body. 

Maybe you can relate to this. You've been stuck in a cycle of sin, whether it's sexual immorality or drug addiction, and you feel like there's no way out. In today's message, Pastor Mark teaches you that Jesus can set you free and keep you free. It's through His supernatural power that you can break the chains of sin. Pastor Mark teaches that it's not about relying on your own strength or willpower. You don't have the power to set yourself free. It's only by the power of the Holy Spirit that you can have true freedom in Jesus Christ. If you need this kind of power to set you free from the bondage of sin, come to Jesus today! 

What does it mean to be sanctified? The process of sanctification comes when you continue to faithfully follow the Lord's will in your life. Once you surrender your life to Jesus, He puts His Holy Spirit within you to do His will. The more you walk with Jesus and abide with Him, day by day, He transforms you. Pastor Mark explains in today's message that every day as a follower of Jesus, the Lord is working to transform you more into His likeness. This is what sanctification is: to gradually become more like Christ. The goal is to ask yourself each day how you can shine more like Jesus. And to serve His Kingdom and will for your life.

Are you relying upon your own strength to carry out the will of the Lord? In today's message, Pastor Mark urges you to put down the banner of self-reliance and pick up the banner of God-reliance. You can't even come close to fulfilling the Father's will on your own merit and effort. You need His help to accomplish this. Pastor Mark teaches you that the Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity who empowers you to model after Jesus. He gives you gifts that help you to be more like Him. He gives you instruction, guidance, and strength. Ask the Lord for more of the Holy Spirit in your life. Tune into what His leading is and wait upon Him.

Make the decision today to follow the King of kings! Pastor Mark shares in today's message the invitation to know Jesus. To receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and the inheritance that He offers, simply come to Him by faith. Believe in who He is and confess with your mouth that He is Lord, and you will be saved. Pastor Mark explains that God desires no one to perish but for all to receive eternal life through His Son, Jesus. Today is the day for salvation. Enter into a family and the Kingdom of God when your time on Earth ends. Know today where you will spend eternity. Choose to surrender your life to Christ and live abundantly in Him.

When we go through hard times, we can begin to wonder if we will ever survive them. However, as Pastor Mark explains through today's message, we do! God gives us the strength, resources, and determination to make it. He comforts us, so we too will be able to comfort others in their times of need. He wants us to carry the torch. Just as one flame can light another, God wants us to pour into others. Pastor Mark encourages you to see how you can help to strengthen others in their faith journey. What encouragement has God given to you that you could extend to others? Iron sharpens iron, and that's what the disciples of Jesus do for one another.

God can and will use any hardship you go through if you'll let Him! As you learn in today's message from Pastor Mark, he shares with you that difficulties and hardships come with living in this world. You're going to experience them. But know that no matter the hardships you face, Jesus is with you through every one. Pastor Mark encourages you to see in what ways you can relate to Jesus through your season of difficulty. What has Jesus gone through that might be similar to your own experience? Once you reflect on this, you'll see that you have a friendly companion who has promised to be with you through it all. Trust and follow Him.

A life with Christ is a life that dies daily to Christ! In today's message from Pastor Mark, he explains to you the reality that is the faith journey with Jesus. Sometimes people can think that once you surrender your life to the Lord, everything will be blissful and blessed. There are blessings, but there's also hardship. Pastor Mark desires for you to understand that when Scripture says “No servant is greater than its Master” it's talking about the disciples of Jesus. Jesus endured many trials, and so will you as His disciple. The Bible says, “that in this world you will have trials, but to take heart because Jesus has overcome the world!”

You'll never fully know until you meet with the Lord the impact you had while on this Earth. As you listen to today's message from Pastor Mark, he shares with you the importance of investing and pouring into others' lives. Even the things you don't remember or feel are insignificant, God uses them for His glory. Pastor Mark urges you to be led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Commune every day with the Lord in prayer and watch what He does in your life. He will use you to speak encouragement to others and provide comfort when they're in need. God can use even the smallest of circumstances to provide extraordinary transformation.

The enemy has work and plans for destruction. But the Lord has plans for opportunity and restoration! Pastor Mark encourages you to turn your focus toward the Lord in today's message. What is He highlighting to you each day about ways you can partner with Him? Seek Him daily in His Word, through prayer and communion. It's important to notice all the opportunities God gives you to speak into another person's life. How can you show the Lord's love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness? For some people, you are the only Bible they will ever read. Let them see Hope in you! Shine the light of Christ out brightly so others may come to Him!

The Bible was written by God. Hands down, no questions about it. It is SO incredibly clear and has been proven by History and science that what the Bible says is true! Purely because everything that has been prophesied has come true…it has happened exactly as God said it would happen! In today's message, Pastor Mark will show you that as a Christian, there should be NO doubt in your mind that the Bible is true and that God wrote it! You can clearly read about how God worked wonders in countless people's lives and then see God doing the exact same thing in your own life!

The enemy of your soul is constantly trying to distract you and lead you as far away from God as he can. Thankfully, the devil also knows the power that lives inside of you. If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart, then the same power that rose Jesus from the grave lives inside of you! In today's message, Pastor Mark will encourage you to be aware of the devil's doings, but also be aware of God's power! God has made you just as you specifically for a purpose…His purpose! You were made to look and act like Jesus. Now, all you have to do is trust Him to lead you, and your life will flourish like no other!

Going where God calls and doing what God says, and being who God wants us to be, is hard. It's not easy to do the right thing ten times out of ten. Especially while fighting our human nature. In today's message, Pastor Mark will remind you that when you truly love God, obeying Him and His commands will come easily! When you love the Lord and recognize Him as the Lord in your life, obedience comes naturally! Because you obviously want to please Him. And when you please Him and follow His commands, your life will be SO much more fruitful! With God, your life can and will flourish in ways you cannot even imagine!

A lot of times in life, all we care about is our rights and what we can get or have. The Bible shows us that that is not the Christian way. God's way is giving over receiving and serving over being served every single time. We're called to put others before ourselves just as we saw Jesus do! In today's message, Pastor Mark will invite you to start today by putting others before yourself! Learn to sacrifice your own comfort and time to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in your own job, family, church, and friend groups! To be a Christian means to serve others well and with a humble heart!

Today, Pastor Mark will be reminding you that the enemy is very active in this world, and unfortunately, very active in the church. Sadly, many have been burned by others in the church, and they chose to forsake the fellowship of the brethren. This is very dangerous because your robbing yourself of accountability and fellowship. The devil wants to kill, steal, and destroy; this is why it's extremely important to go to church. The enemy roams about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The easiest targets for lions are those who are the weak of the herd that are straggling behind. Stay in Church, and remain in prayer and in His Word.  

As Pastor Mark continues his teaching series through the book of 1 Thessalonians, he'll be explaining the difference between loving the idea of Jesus and having an intimate relationship with Him. It's not enough to recognize who Jesus is and like His character, but you must choose to make Him your Lord and Savior. Many people love the teaching of Jesus, and many love the positive impact Jesus has on people's lives, but they have not entered into that intimate relationship with Him. Jesus said many will come to Him on that Day and say “Lord, Lord”- and He will turn to them and say “depart from Me, I never knew you”. 

Today, Pastor Mark will be challenging you to be bold for the Lord, because what you're proclaiming to the world is the truth, and it's the only truth that can set humanity free. After all, the Bible says the righteous are as bold as lions! Don't allow the enemy to cause you to fear preaching the Gospel to the lost. Always remember that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you. It's not you who should live in fear for preaching the truth; it's the enemies of God who should fear dying without having their sins forgiven. When your heart becomes broken for the lost, it becomes easier to evangelize.  

Do you ever find yourself waiting? Perhaps you've had to sit around for an oil change. What about at the doctor's office? Maybe you sent an important email that left you anticipating a response. Waiting is a natural part of life, and you will find yourself waiting for something daily. What does biblical waiting look like? In today's message, Pastor Mark explains what it means to be waiting on the Lord and waiting for Jesus's second coming. You will learn what it means to have patience and that you should seek the Lord in those times of waiting.

John 3:16 is one of the most quoted and loved verses in the bible. “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him…” …Whoever. That means your neighbor, prisoners, the opposing political party, and even you. Whoever believes in Him will be saved. Jesus set the foundation for today's message when He died on the cross. Today, Pastor Mark teaches that God will accept anyone who accepts His Son, regardless of their past mistakes. When you follow Jesus, you become a new creation. If you haven't made that decision today, what are you waiting for?

Do you have any favorite clothing or food brands? If so, the company likely used some celebrity to showcase why their product is great. For example, “Our sports drink gives you the energy to shoot consistent 3-pointers. Just ask Michael Jordan.” Having a good example helps drive sales for companies. Today, Pastor Mark will teach that you ought to be a good example for Christ. Preaching the Gospel is one thing, but living it out makes it that much more appealing to others. The world is watching your actions to see if they line up with your beliefs. Will they find a true believer? Or will they just find empty words?

The world is enamored with this idea of rebuilding from the rubble. Think about it. You've likely heard a song with the lyric, “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.” You've likely seen a movie where the main character loses everything but comes back stronger than before. The world is fascinated by endurance. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages you to stay diligent, stay strong, and stay faithful to Christ amid hardships and persecution. Your ability to rebuild from the rubble is a powerful testimony to unbelievers in the world, because they are watching to see if your faith is as strong as you claim it is. 

The study of cultures is integral to a successful mission trip. Missionaries must be aware of the stumbling blocks within a culture. For instance, a missionary to an Asian culture should expect to take their shoes off when visiting someone's home, even if they are used to tracking mud through their own house. In today's message, Pastor Mark will teach you the importance of worshipping God without causing others to stumble. Taking your shoes off in someone's home isn't a salvation issue, but doing so shows that you care about the person you are ministering to. How else can you minister to others by embracing their culture?

Have you ever ridden on a train? If so, you know how powerful they are. Around 1 billion people each day use a train. They are crucial to global economies and have a major impact on our history. Without the invention of the coal-powered engines used in trains throughout history, cars and planes would not exist.

What is election? An easy example happens every four years. Election is when someone is chosen, right? In the Christian faith, God has elected His believers – that is, they've been chosen to spend eternity with Him. This concept can cause a lot of tension and confusion, but today, Pastor Mark will walk you through it. As you listen, Pastor Mark will teach that election is evidenced by the fruits of the spirit – that is, the actions of those who have been elected will look like Jesus. How can you become elected? Simple! Just enter the race. If you let Him, God will vote for you. He wants to be with you and wants your soul to flourish.

People often say that they will get into heaven based on their good deeds. “I'm a nice person.” “I give to the poor.” “I volunteer at a food bank.” Works are great, but there's more to getting to heaven than just simply being a good person and volunteering some of your time and energy. It takes faith. Faith and works go hand in hand, and today, Pastor Mark will teach you that it is a balancing act. You need both. Without faith, works are just empty humanitarian acts without any relationship with the Father. Without works, you're not following all of Jesus's teachings. When you follow Jesus, your faith will generate good works.

If you're a parent, you know that when your kids are young, they hate getting clean. All they want to do is play and have fun, but what you're concerned with is how they look, how they act, and how they continue to grow. And sometimes, that's how people act in Christ, like little kids not wanting to clean or grow up. Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to grow in Christ by not resisting His guidance. Listen to what the Word of God says, trust in Him, place your whole heart in His hands, and follow His guidance. As you continue to walk with God, He will transform your heart and mind, and soon, you'll begin to reflect His image.

Many people believe that they can say the right words at the right time and truly think they are saved in Christ. But the reality is that while God does save those who sincerely come to Him, He designed us to be in a relationship with Him. He wishes to walk with us throughout our lives and love us deeply. In today's message, Pastor Mark emphasizes that when we come to Jesus with all our hearts and accept Him as Lord, it's not simply a free pass to keep sinning or to live in the world as if nothing has changed. God desires to be with us, and He wants us to keep choosing Him - not just sometimes, but every day.

Oftentimes, when we go through trials and hardships, we think, “Why me, God? Is there a point to this pain?” But what you might forget is that as a follower of Christ, you will be hated, not just by the world, but also by the enemy who seeks to delay God's plans. That's why God needs His family sharpened and ready for anything. Today, Pastor Mark urges you to understand that there will be seasons of pain in your life, but they aren't pointless. God tests all of His children to keep them alert, to encourage them to move forward, and to prepare them. Just as iron is shaped by fire, trials guide you toward what God has planned for your life  

Many times, we can be tempted to go along with what the world says, even when we know God's Word teaches otherwise. It may seem easier in the moment to stay quiet or avoid difficult conversations, but compromise never leads people closer to Christ. That's why now more than ever, people need the light in a world of darkness. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us to stand firm in the truth of God's Word, even when it goes against the culture around us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be a light in a dark world, pointing others to Christ through both our words and the way we live. And when we show them the way, Jesus does the rest.

When we look at what life was like a hundred years ago, and what life is like now, you can see just how backwards this world really is. And oftentimes, it can feel easier to just conform and accept than it is to share the Word of God, even at the cost of sounding judgmental. If push came to shove, would you stand up for Christ? In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that there's nothing new under the sun, but what changes in this world is the heart. That's why now more than ever, people need the Word of God. Not just to know right from wrong, but to save those who are walking blind. Stand with Jesus, and stand by what His Word says.

In our lives, when we see a loved one heading down the wrong path, it can be tempting to stay silent and hope they figure things out on their own. But real love doesn't ignore the truth. Real love is willing to speak with grace, pointing others back to God's Word even when the conversation is difficult. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that if we want to understand what biblical love and discernment look like, we need to examine the fruit. Are our words motivated by the love of Christ or by pride? True biblical love is rooted in Christ, guided by His Word, and always seeks the good of others.

Many times, when we see someone making poor choices or walking down the wrong path, we hesitate to say anything. We worry that we'll come across as harsh or judgmental. But before we speak, we should examine our hearts and ask ourselves: Am I speaking from pride, or from genuine love and concern for them? Today, Pastor Mark reminds you that lovingly speaking the truth is not the same as condemning someone. Real love doesn't enable destructive behavior; it points people toward Jesus and the truth of God's Word. When correction comes from the heart, it isn't self-righteous judgment… It's biblical discernment spoken in love.

When you have kids, you know that as they grow, it's not just physically, but mentally too. When they're just toddlers, they don't have a lot of responsibilities, but as they grow, they need to learn how to function and become responsible. That's how it is when people become Christians, too. They need to learn to grow up. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages you to develop good spiritual habits by reading and following the Word of God. When you come to Christ, you don't come as an adult but as a baby in a new world. That's why you need the Word of God, not just for guidance, but for the spiritual growth of all who desire to follow Jesus.

When we fall into sin, we think we're the only ones who can get us out. But the reality is that God doesn't want us to only rely on ourselves, but to seek Him through all of our lives. The Bible tells us to lean not on our own understanding but to trust in the Lord with all of our heart. This is the first step to being free from the world. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages us to seek Jesus not only in our trials but through every season of life. With Jesus, we can be free from all things. He gives us the strength to move forward, to keep our eyes on Him, and to change the desires of our hearts. Seeking Jesus is the first step to the rest of your life.

We live in a world where we can't always control what happens to us. Some days are filled with joy, while others bring pain, disappointment, and hardship. And when we allow those experiences to shape our outlook on life, they can also affect our walk with God and the way we treat others within the body of Christ. In today's message, Pastor Mark encourages us to forgive those who have wronged us and place our pain in God's hands. Forgiveness isn't always easy, especially when the wounds run deep, but that's why we need Jesus more than ever. Through prayer and growing closer to Him, God can heal our hearts and help us move forward. 

In this life, many people focus on certain parts of the Bible while ignoring the passages that challenge them. Unfortunately, this has led many believers to adopt worldly views rather than allowing God's Word to shape them. But that's not the message John gave to the early church, nor is it the message God has for us today. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that when we give our lives to Jesus Christ, we are called to submit ourselves to the whole counsel of God's Word. We don't get to pick and choose which truths are convenient. Instead, we are called to trust God completely and allow His Word to shape our way of thinking.

Many times in life, we ask ourselves questions like, "What is the meaning of life? What is our purpose? Why are we here?” But what do any of those answers mean if we spend our lives apart from God? What good is chasing purpose while remaining separated from the One who created us for a relationship with Him? In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that if you are breathing right now, God is giving you an opportunity to come to Him. The Bible tells us that God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. Choose Jesus Christ today.

Isn't it amazing to know that we serve a God who truly cares for us? A God who wants what is best for our lives and desires a deep, personal relationship with us? God did not create us to be mindless beings simply going through the motions. He created us with the ability to know Him, love Him, and choose Him, as He first chose us. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that when the enemy attacks, we don't have to listen to his lies. Our identity is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we are redeemed, forgiven, and being sanctified day by day. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Jesus already accomplished for us. 

There comes a time in our lives when we must realize that there's something wrong within us. It's not that we can't be kind, compassionate, or even show love, but there's a sinful nature that makes us lie, lust, and even hate at times. That's why God came to this world… to save us from ourselves and from our sinful nature. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants us to know that we can be free from our sinful nature and from every shackle sin places on our lives, but we can't do it alone. It's only through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to this world, took our place on the cross, and conquered the grave… all because He loves us.

Have you ever tried to draw in the dark? It sounds impossible, yet many people unknowingly live their lives in spiritual darkness. They walk, breathe, make decisions, and sometimes even depart from this world without ever realizing that the Truth and the Light were there all along… just waiting for them. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that God's light is not meant to harm you, but to reveal truth, expose what is wrong, and guide you toward life. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, and He offers that light to all who seek Him. So don't spend your life stumbling in darkness when you can see the way forward with Jesus.

Oftentimes, when we share the gospel with others, the Word of God can be convicting. For those who recognize their own sin, it can feel personal.  But when we share God's truth, we must remember that we are not the authors of the message - we are simply the messengers. The message comes from God Himself. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that God gave us free will because He loves us. And because He loves us, He has revealed what is right and wrong through His Word. The choice is ours: to pursue a life apart from God, or to receive the eternal life that Jesus Christ offers through His grace, love, and sacrifice.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to know everything? Someone who was more concerned with being right than with helping others grow? In many ways, that describes the Pharisees in Jesus' day. Their knowledge became a source of pride rather than a pathway to a deeper relationship with Him. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds you that pride can be one of the biggest obstacles in your walk with God - especially when you've been walking with Him for many years. When you approach the Lord with humility and a teachable heart, He can transform you in ways that knowledge alone never could.

We live in a world where tomorrow is not guaranteed. In fact, there are a lot of unknowns in life that can bring fear and uncertainty. But there is something greater than all of that—Someone who loves us, who died for us, took our place on the cross, and conquered the grave three days later. His name is Jesus Christ. In today's message, Pastor Mark invites you to read the Word of God for yourself: the Bible. Not only does God reveal history through His Word, but He also speaks into your life, giving promises He is faithful to keep. God loves you deeply and desires for you to grow in Him. So take the time - and read the Word for yourself.

When we look around the world and see the pain and destruction… isn't it amazing to know that the God of the universe is going to restore all things? With Him, we don't have to worry about the planet; we just need to share the gospel with its people. We need to share the good news with all who have ears to hear. In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds us that we can't take everything with us into heaven. But what we can do is share the Word… to let the world know that there is a Savior who loves us, who cares about us, and wants to be with us. All we have to do is choose Jesus Christ and accept His gift of grace.

In this world, we think we have our entire lives to do things; to travel the world, build a legacy… but the reality is that nothing in this world is guaranteed… What if today was your last day on this planet… what would you do? Would you spend time with your loved ones and do your favorite things? Or would you get right with Jesus? In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds you that the most important thing in this world is your relationship with Jesus Christ. You can't take your wealth to heaven, but you can take your soul. And with Jesus, He promises you everlasting life by His side. Make the right choice, and choose Jesus Christ.

When we read the Word of God, we sometimes have a hard time believing in what God is trying to tell us… a little boy taking on a giant? A man surviving a lion's den? Surely it's metaphorical, right? NO! We believe in a supernatural God, who does miracles every single day. So when our God tells us something, He surely means it. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that God always fulfills His Word. Everything going on in the world today, every prophecy ever fulfilled, it's because God said so. His Word has power, and when you place your faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, you can rest knowing that with Him, you can have everlasting life.

As we look around the world and see tragedy, brokenness, and shifting cultures, we are reminded that history is moving toward something big: the return of Jesus Christ. Scripture teaches that Christ will return and that all people will one day stand before Him. That's why the message of the gospel is so urgent… In today's message, Pastor Mark reminds you to make Christ your priority because there will come a day when He returns. And for all who are left behind, they will have to endure in a world where the Anti-Christ is in power. The invitation remains: choose Jesus Christ, become part of His family, and accept His gift of Christ

In this life, we can sometimes put God on the back burner, assuming we have plenty of time ahead to live how we want now and turn to Him later. But the truth is, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. What if our time to leave this world was today? Would the things we chase still feel as important in that moment? In today's message, Pastor Mark wants us to understand the urgency of our relationship with God. While money, status, and the pleasures of this life can feel important now, they are temporary and cannot go with us when we leave this world. What remains is what truly matters: our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Many times, we think of God as being too busy for the small things in our lives. We bring Him the big problems, but hesitate to bring Him our everyday needs. But today, Pastor Mark reminds us of the importance of prayer. Prayer is not only how we communicate with God, but also how we humble ourselves before Him. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that nothing is too big or too small for God. When you pray to God, He is always listening. He can see and hear our desires and needs. He just wants us to come to Him. Trust in Jesus Christ and His promises, and He will always provide according to His Will.

Sometimes, in life, it feels like we go from one storm to another, from hardship to pain. And if that's you today, Pastor Mark doesn't want you to lose hope because of who you are: a prisoner of Hope! Someone who is bound to the fact that God will deliver you from your pain and bring you exactly where you need to be. In today's message, Pastor Mark wants you to know that this life isn't an accident. Everything you've been through, and everything you're going to go through, is for God's glory and His Will. Trust in the hope that God brings, and see that He doesn't give false hope or promises; God always comes through.