Too often we think we can bring about the results God is looking for. We think we have the strength and skills needed to do it on our own. God can take a break! But in all honesty, our efforts pale in comparison to God’s ability. In this teaching, Pastor Mark encourages us to truly and deeply understand that Jesus is the source of life. He is the provider of all our skills or talents we so often claim as our own. He is the vine that we are secured to, and without Him, we would be nothing.

We all want peace; people search for it in all kinds of ways, and sometimes, they are able to attain it temporarily. The problem is that feeling won’t stick around once difficult times come. The Bible, though, tells us that there is a source of peace that lasts, and if you’re a child of God, you have access to it. In this teaching, Pastor Mark encourages us to invite God’s lasting peace into our lives. How is that done? By investing in the relationship we have with Him. We need to read our Bibles, obey Him, and pray for the peace that passes all understanding.

There is a big difference between having a servant and having a friend. Both have a relationship with you, but each has their own motivations that lead to specific actions. A servant does things for you, but there is no personal or emotional reason for that action, no personal connection. A friend, on the other hand, often does things for you as well, but it is done voluntarily, as an act of love. In this teaching, Pastor Mark talks about what it means to be a friend of Jesus. If you’ve given your life to Him, that friendship is already established. If you’re already His friend, are you treating Him like it?

Everyone receives the Holy Spirit when they accept Jesus. He comes inside us and begins transforming us from the inside out. As Pastor Mark clarifies in this teaching, however, there is an extra work of the Spirit that comes after the initial work of salvation: Spiritual Baptism. This secondary work moves us from having an indwelling to an on-dwelling of His presence. Our soul is already seen as righteous through Christ, but in this new work, our outward life begins to reflect our inner righteousness.

You can’t have Jesus without His Holy Spirit. It’s that Spirit in us that brings about righteous behavior that would be impossible for our flesh. This transformation begins the moment you receive Christ, and it is only completed when you stand before Him in eternity. If you ever get to a point where you no longer sense the conviction and leading of the Holy Spirit, it is time for dedicated prayer and reflection. As Pastor Mark reminds us in this teaching, growing in Christ is a continuous process, only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.