Come Alive (Audio)

It can be very frustrating to be falsely accused of something. Whether someone claims you did something you shouldn’t have or they say you didn’t do something you were supposed to, you can waste a lot of breath trying to argue your case. As Pastor Mark explains in today’s message, there’s no point in exhausting your energy in this way. It may take days, years or maybe even the hindsight of eternity before your honor is restored, but, as long as you are honest before God and see the job through to completion, you have no reason to be ashamed. God knows your heart and the opinion of man doesn’t matter.

There’s a phrase that says, “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Unfortunately, not everyone can find a job that they love, but as believers, this concept can apply as well. As Pastor Mark points out in today’s message, often times believers serve in their church out of a sense of obligation. They may have good intentions, but before long, instead of finding fulfillment in serving Christ, they find themselves burned out and in need of a break. This shouldn’t be your approach to serving. Service should be done out of gratitude and a desire to serve the God who gave up so much to bring you into His family.

Any loving relationship is going to have confrontation. You might hear that word and cringe, but it doesn’t have to be a negative thing. If you approach a loved one out of anger and frustration over how their decisions are affecting you, you will likely find your words falling on deaf ears. But, as Pastor Mark explains in today’s message, when you approach that same issue out of love and concern for that person, while they still may not take it well, you are approaching them with a Christ-like love and have a much better chance of making a difference. This kind of confrontation is necessary for growth within the Church.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Church is supposed to be the love and unity between its members. Our purpose as a body is to glorify God and carry His Gospel to the world around us, but when we allow division to arise amongst us, the work God has called us to will stop. As Pastor Mark warns in today’s message, you have to be on constant alert against our cunning enemy. He easily comes in and infiltrates our ranks, bringing controversy and conflict where there should be none. As you walk in Christ, make sure that you are a proponent of unity and love with your fellow believers.

Have you told God He can have everything, yet you’re still trying to hold a few cards under the table? Still clinging to certain belongings, bank accounts or backup plans just in case God’s way isn’t working out for you? It’s a common misconception that the more stuff you have, or the larger the number on your bank statement, the more peace you’ll have. But, as Pastor Mark explains in today’s message, those things are fleeting and can disappear in a moment. When you let go of that stuff, and fully surrender everything to God, you’ll find a deep, eternal peace that surpasses anything this world can provide.

In our wealthy culture, it’s easy to forget the difference between luxury and necessity. You get so accustomed to the conveniences and comforts, that when you’re forced to ration or downsize your living, you feel like you’re really suffering, despite the fact that you still have more than the vast majority of people in our world. As Pastor Mark continues to lead us through Nehemiah in today’s message, he challenges us to learn what it means to depend on God for your fulfillment. Don’t look to the luxuries of life for contentment. God will provide for your needs, and you can find complete joy in Jesus Christ alone.

Today Pastor Mark shares practical advice that can be gleaned from the story of the Jews rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Walls are built to keep out enemies, and as a Christian, you have a genuine enemy in the devil. When you create a barrier to keep the devil out there are three things to remember. First, a foundation of prayer followed by the study of God's word. Second, present your requests before your heavenly father. Fill your mind with the truths of who He is from His Word. Third, finish with building walls, or protecting, your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lead by example, so those around you are not discouraged.

Are you living with one foot in this world and the other following Jesus? The Bible says that even though we live in the world, we shouldn't live according to the world. It's easy to become desensitised to our cultures trends, but this is not what Christ would have for you. He wants your whole heart. In Pastor Mark's message today, he speaks about how living according to the world's standards doesn't create a threat for the devil. When you live a purposeful life for Jesus and use his love to change other peoples lives, you become a threat to the enemy. This is when you may fight against opposition from the devil because now you've become a threat.

Do you lay down your life, for the advancement of the Gospel? In today's message from Pastor Mark, he reminds you that you are Christ's light in this dark world. You need to remember, that you are saved to be a light and a witness to those around you. Just as Christ was called to deny Himself, you are also to deny yourself and serve Him. Your life is to be about the Lord, rather than chasing your own agenda. God has specifically blessed you to be a blessing. Lead by example, and don't just experience God's presence and grace for yourself, but share it with the world. Advance the Kingdom, by sharing the Good News of Christ!

Do you deny yourself, for the better of the whole? In today's message from Pastor Mark, he teaches you to not let pride get in the way, of denying yourself. In the culture that surrounds you, it's easy to not want to deny yourself. You're taught to not let anyone walk over you or hold you down. However, Jesus exampled a way much different. As a Christian, you are to live in this world, but not be of it. There will be times in your life, where for the betterment of the whole, you will have to deny yourself. To deny yourself, is to show others the love of Christ in you. By Christ's example, humbly deny yourself and serve others in love.