Come Alive (Audio)

The Arc of the Covenant sat in the most holy place of the temple and housed the Lord’s presence. It was beautifully designed and inlaid with gold. It held the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff which represented God’s governing authority, and a jar of manna which symbolized the Lord’s provision. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that those who are in Christ have the Holy Spirit living inside of them. The Lord’s beauty shines within and through His people, and God’s Word sustains them just as manna sustained the Israelites. Finally, God has written His law on the hearts of His children, and they obey His will as they demonstrate Jesus’s love around the world.

In 1 Samuel chapter 4, we read that the glory of the Lord departed from Israel because of the nation’s sin and complacency. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that we are shine the light of Jesus and reflect His glory to a needy and lost world. Unfortunately, we too can experience separation from the Lord when we fall into habitual sin. The glory of God departs from our lives when we are not fully surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mark points out that truly devoted followers of Christ shine brightly in a dark world when their good deeds and soft hearts bear witness to a close relationship with God.

In 1 Samuel chapter 4, we read that the glory of the Lord departed from Israel because of the nation’s sin and complacency. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that we are shine the light of Jesus and reflect His glory to a needy and lost world. Unfortunately, we too can experience separation from the Lord when we fall into habitual sin. The glory of God departs from our lives when we are not fully surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Pastor Mark points out that truly devoted followers of Christ shine brightly in a dark world when their good deeds and soft hearts bear witness to a close relationship with God.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel chapter 4 that Eli the priest had poor vision and was grossly out of shape. Instead of being diligent in his priestly duties, Eli was lazy and his physical body gave proof to that fact. Even worse, Eli never took the time to discipline his sons though they disobeyed the law of God. Though the Lord sent warnings to Eli, the priest did not listen. Eventually, Eli’s sons were killed and the Arc of the Covenant, a symbol of God’s presence, was taken captive by the Philistines. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that when we veer away from the Lord’s protective instructions in disobedience, we sign ourselves up for much hurt and heartache.

The Bible says in 1 Samuel chapter 4 that Eli the priest had poor vision and was grossly out of shape. Instead of being diligent in his priestly duties, Eli was lazy and his physical body gave proof to that fact. Even worse, Eli never took the time to discipline his sons though they disobeyed the law of God. Though the Lord sent warnings to Eli, the priest did not listen. Eventually, Eli’s sons were killed and the Arc of the Covenant, a symbol of God’s presence, was taken captive by the Philistines. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that when we veer away from the Lord’s protective instructions in disobedience, we sign ourselves up for much hurt and heartache.

The Greatest Commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In today’s message, Pastor Mark challenges us to examine the past seventy-two hours by asking questions to give us a true spiritual snapshot of our devotion to God. Questions like: Did we fully engage in our job knowing that whatever we did we did for Christ? Did we do our best to teach our children God’s ways with patience, kindness, and self-control? Are we praying, and do we have an active thriving devotional life? Pastor Mark teaches us that Jesus wants our very best, and our very best is what He deserves considering all Christ did to love and save us.

The Greatest Commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In today’s message, Pastor Mark challenges us to examine the past seventy-two hours by asking questions to give us a true spiritual snapshot of our devotion to God. Questions like: Did we fully engage in our job knowing that whatever we did we did for Christ? Did we do our best to teach our children God’s ways with patience, kindness, and self-control? Are we praying, and do we have an active thriving devotional life? Pastor Mark teaches us that Jesus wants our very best, and our very best is what He deserves considering all Christ did to love and save us.

In 1 Samuel chapter four, we read that the Israelites took the Ark of the Covenant into battle hoping that it would help them win the war. Instead of revering the Lord’s presence and seeking His real counsel and help, Israel sinned by using a holy item meant only for worship as a good luck charm or a rabbit’s foot. God was not pleased and would not be manipulated into moving on the Israelites behalf. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that we do the same thing when we try to earn a response from the Lord with an act of kindness or a good deed. Jesus cannot be manipulated into doing what we want Him to do. God wants our true devotion and allegiance.

In 1 Samuel chapter four, we read that the Israelites took the Ark of the Covenant into battle hoping that it would help them win the war. Instead of revering the Lord’s presence and seeking His real counsel and help, Israel sinned by using a holy item meant only for worship as a good luck charm or a rabbit’s foot. God was not pleased and would not be manipulated into moving on the Israelites behalf. In today’s message, Pastor Mark teaches us that we do the same thing when we try to earn a response from the Lord with an act of kindness or a good deed. Jesus cannot be manipulated into doing what we want Him to do. God wants our true devotion and allegiance.

Sin is very hard to let go of. Because of Adam and Eve, we inherited a selfish nature, and we instinctively choose to do things that make us feel good. The problem is that the fun only lasts so long. Before long, we start to realize that hurting ourselves and others isn’t worth it. By that point, the sin is so entrenched in our lives that it may seem impossible to root out. As Pastor Mark reminds us in today’s message, it is not impossible. Christ purchased our freedom, and through the Holy Spirit we can completely conquer sin. We need to look beyond the short-term pleasure and see the eternal consequences.