Before We Build | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 11 AM

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Big Idea

Real rebuilding begins inside us—when we sanctify the Lord in our hearts, carry His burden in prayer, and step out trusting that He will supply every resource.

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Overview

After extended worship, Pastor Nathan Peterson turned to 1 Peter 3:15 and the opening chapters of Nehemiah. He urged the church to sanctify the Lord in their hearts—giving God first place so they can answer anyone who asks about their hope.

Using Nehemiah’s story, he showed that walls are not raised with hammers first, but with compassion, repentance, fasting, and prayer. When God is honored this way, He orchestrates authority, materials, and people—even unlikely individuals—to accomplish His purpose.

The message concluded with a call to bring every broken piece to the altar, believe for miracles, and begin rebuilding together.

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Scripture References

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Primary Text

• ​1 Peter 3:15

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Additional References

• ​Nehemiah 1–2
• ​Micah 7:8

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M ain Points

1 | Sanctify the Lord in your heart. God is already holy; the question is whether we give Him His rightful authority in our lives. When distractions and competing desires are removed, our hope becomes evident and our witness becomes clear.

2 | Let compassion give you a burden before you build. Nehemiah’s rebuilding began with concern for broken people and a broken city. True kingdom work is born from compassion.

3 | Answer the burden with prayer, fasting, and repentance. Before Nehemiah approached the king, he wept, fasted, prayed, and confessed. Prayer prepares us for action and positions us to recognize God’s favor.

4 | Step out in faith—God will supply what you need. Nehemiah did not possess the authority or resources to rebuild Jerusalem, but God moved kings, leaders, and others to provide what was necessary. Our responsibility is obedience; God handles the details.

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Application

Lasting change begins by setting God apart in our inner lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you compassion for what is broken, then respond with prayer and action.

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This week:

• ​Set aside focused time for prayer and fasting over a burden God has given you.
• ​Confess anything competing with God’s place in your heart.
• ​Join with another believer to pray and act toward a specific rebuilding need.

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Reflection Questions

1 | What currently competes with God’s rightful place in your heart?

2 | What situation or person has stirred compassion within you?

3 | How have prayer and fasting opened doors in your life?

4 | Where might God already be arranging resources and relationships for the work ahead?

5 | What concrete step of rebuilding will you take this week?

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Closing Prayer

Father, we sanctify You in our hearts today. Give us Your compassion for what is broken, courage to repent, and faith to ask for the impossible. Align every resource, relationship, and opportunity with Your purpose. Make us living sacrifices who rebuild for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If this message encouraged you, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Don’t Ever Stop | Bro. Mark Taylor

Sunday, September 6, 2026 | 10:30 AM

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Testimony Gathering

Opening Moments

The room was already filled with warmth and expectation before Brother Mark began sharing: “We knew a work was going to be done here.”

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Brother Mark’s Testimony

• ​Brother Mark shared how God has faithfully directed every season of his life—even recent surgeries, relocating, and finding a new church family.
• ​He reflected on childhood memories, including the death of his father in 2008 and the spiritual foundation his father established. During a difficult season when his father had been out of work for 4½ years, God impressed him to write a missionary check. Shortly afterward, seven-year-old Mark received the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues.
• ​He also shared how his high-school sweetheart, now his wife of nearly 40 years, first came to church through his father’s bus ministry. During a revival with Brother Arnold, she received the Holy Ghost. “That night changed our whole history.”
• ​Later, a job layoff created an unexpected opportunity for Brother Mark to serve at junior camp. After persistent prayer, his daughter received the Holy Ghost on the final night. His message was simple: Don’t give up.
• ​Brother Mark also shared about a dream involving giants attempting to block God’s promises. The answer came through the truth of Scripture: “Greater is He that’s in us than he that’s in the world.”
• ​When Brother Mark and his family first visited Landmark for a baby dedication, they immediately felt at home. Returning the following week confirmed what they had felt: “We felt something… and it was the same thing.”

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Scripture References

• ​1 John 4:4 — “Greater is He that’s in us than he that’s in the world.”
• ​Isaiah 61:4 — “And they shall build the old waste… repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”
• ​Isaiah 61:4 was especially significant, as God confirmed the Scripture twice—first through a phone call from a distant friend and again through Sister Peterson’s sermon later that same day.

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Key Spiritual Insights

• ​God can use setbacks, surgeries, and unexpected seasons to position us for His purpose.
• ​Obedience can open doors to breakthrough: “When you surrender to God, you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
• ​Giants may try to stop God’s promises, but believers must keep moving forward.
• ​The repeated message throughout the testimony was clear: Don’t give up. Don’t ever stop. Just keep going.

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Brother Mark expressed deep gratitude to Brother and Sister Peterson for believing in the calling upon his family.

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Generational Legacy

The testimony revealed a powerful generational thread: a father’s obedience and bus ministry, Mark receiving the Holy Ghost as a child, his wife finding salvation, his children experiencing God, and now a new church family—all connected by the same faithful Spirit of God.

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Pastor’s Closing Remarks

Pastor affirmed the family and their testimony:

“If it doesn’t cost you something, it might not be worth it… we believe that God is doing a great work in your whole family.”

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Prayer Points

• ​Continued healing and strength for Brother Mark following his surgeries.
• ​Protection against anything seeking to hinder the church’s forward movement.
• ​Continued revival in families and for children who have yet to receive the Holy Ghost.
• ​Wisdom and endurance for Brother and Sister Peterson and church leadership as they build and restore what God has called them to establish.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If encouraged, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

The Crazy Cycle: Lifelong Relationship Navigation | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 7 PM

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The Crazy Cycle: Starting Every Relationship With God First

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Scripture References:

Genesis 2:24; Colossians 2:6–10; Matthew 19:4–6; Matthew 22:37; Romans 12; Galatians 5:22.

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Overview

Pastor Nathan Peterson reframed his lesson as “the crazy cycle,” showing how life and relationships can spin when they are not anchored in Christ. Healthy friendships, dating, marriage, parenting, and legacy all stand or collapse on one foundation: a personal, growing relationship with Jesus. Using Adam’s story, New Testament commands, and practical checkpoints, he called the church to re-establish identity in God and let that identity govern every other connection.

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Main Points

1 | Foundation Before FellowshipHealthy relationships begin with a life properly ordered under God. Adam met God before he met Eve; purpose and boundaries came first. Until identity, purpose, and security are established in Christ, every other relationship rests on shaky ground.

2 | Created in His ImageMen and women both bear God’s image and accountability. Worth is not determined by appearance, income, popularity, achievement, or another person’s approval.

3 | Companionship Completes, But Never Replaces GodMarriage and friendship provide encouragement and support, but no person can supply our identity, salvation, or ultimate security. Warning signs include compromising convictions, neglecting prayer, valuing someone’s voice above Scripture, or feeling you have no identity without them.

4 | Whole and Complete in ChristBelievers are complete in Him. Wholeness is not perfection; it is placing every area of life under Jesus’ authority. We must honestly examine our strengths, immaturities, triggers, and emotional dependencies.

5 | Relational MaturitySpeak truth in love rather than accusation. Do not allow disappointment to make you abandon conviction. Take responsibility for wrong actions. Spirituality is demonstrated by how we treat people when hurt.

6 | Spirit-Led Behaviors Guard the HeartThe fruit of the Spirit provides the relational skill set every believer needs. Love governs our treatment of others; joy keeps circumstances from owning us; peace steadies conflict; patience builds endurance; gentleness shapes speech; goodness purifies motives; faithfulness builds dependability; meekness tames strength; and temperance governs emotions. Jesus’ reminder remains clear: “Without me ye can do nothing.”

7 | Shared Support, Christ as the FoundationPeople can support one another and create structure, but the ground beneath every relationship must still be Christ.

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Key Truths

• ​Relationship with God is the starting point for every other relationship.
• ​Identity in Christ resists the pressure to find worth in romance, popularity, or performance.
• ​Companionship can enhance purpose but cannot substitute for God.
• ​Wholeness in Jesus enables us to receive correction without collapse.
• ​The fruit of the Spirit forms the foundation for healthy relationships.

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Response

Examine whether any person or pursuit has taken God’s place in your life. Re-establish daily prayer and Scripture intake. Practice honest self-assessment, communicate truth with love, and let the fruit of the Spirit guide every interaction.

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Closing

The congregation declared, “I belong to God first. My identity comes from Him.” Pastor Peterson urged everyone—single, married, parent, or grandparent—to step off the crazy cycle by putting Jesus back at the center and walking forward in the confidence that comes from being complete in Him.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If encouraged, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Dropping the Net | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 11 AM

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Dropping the Net

Big Idea: Jesus meets us at the end of our own efforts, fills our empty nets, and then calls us to drop them and follow Him completely.

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Overview

In Luke 5, Jesus fills Peter’s nets after a night of failure and then calls him to leave everything and become a “fisher of men.” God often waits until our strength is gone so His power can be seen. One word from Jesus can turn scarcity into overflow, but the greater miracle is the call to forsake all and follow Him. Even after Peter denied Jesus and returned to fishing in John 21, Jesus provided, restored him, and repeated the call. The message ended with an altar invitation to repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, receive the Holy Spirit, and live completely for God’s kingdom.

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Key Scripture

• ​ Luke 5:1–11 — Jesus fills empty nets and calls Peter to follow Him.
• ​ John 21 — Jesus repeats the miracle and restores Peter after failure.
• ​ Matthew 6:33 — Seek God’s kingdom first, and He will supply every need.

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Main Points

1. ​ Jesus steps into our boat when our nets are empty. Peter worked all night without a catch. Our own stubborn effort can leave us exhausted and fruitless, but God often chooses the moment we are “done” to reveal Himself.
2. ​ Obedience to one word releases miraculous provision.“Launch out into the deep” turned failure into abundance. The overflowing catch proved Jesus controls the very resources we chase.
3. ​ The greater miracle is the call to drop the nets.Peter left a boatload of success because the real treasure was following Jesus. Dropping the net means laying down identity, security, and personal agenda to seek first the kingdom.
4. ​ Failure does not cancel the call.Peter denied Jesus and returned to fishing, yet Jesus met him with breakfast already prepared (John 21). “Do you love Me?” became a question of restoration and recommissioning.
5. ​ Today’s response: surrender and follow.Repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, receive the Holy Spirit, and enter ongoing discipleship. The church stands ready to walk with anyone willing to “drop the net.”

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Application

Head: Recognize that your best effort cannot produce what one word from Jesus can.

Heart: Let His love silence the voice saying you are disqualified; the call still stands.

Hands: Come to Jesus in prayer, lay down your “nets,” and take your next step of obedience—baptism, Bible study, serving, or sharing your testimony. Replace self-driven goals with kingdom priorities.

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Reflection Questions

• ​Where are you still “toiling all night” in your own strength?

• ​What net—career, habit, relationship, or image—is hardest to drop?

• ​How has Jesus already proven He can provide for you?

• ​What keeps you from believing the call is still yours after past failures?

• ​What step can you take this week to seek the kingdom first?

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for stepping into the emptiness of our lives. We confess that our own nets come up dry, and we choose today to drop them and follow You. Fill us with Your Spirit, restore us where we have failed, and make us fishers of people for Your glory. Amen.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. Follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Our God Can Do Anything! | Bro. Mark Taylor

Sunday, August 30, 2026 | 10:30 AM

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“God Has Been Faithful”

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Opening Moments

• ​Pastor welcomed “Brother Mark” and urged him to “come in and inspire us with the word.”
• ​ The congregation affirmed: “God is good… There’s no one like our God.”
• ​ The atmosphere was expectant and worship-soaked, with hearts already lifting praise before the formal service began.

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Testimony — Brother Mark

Setting & Life Context

New to the congregation (only three months), yet already senses “something that’s hot… something God is doing in this church.”

A longtime believer who travels a distance each week to attend.

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Key Turning Points & Miracles

• ​Mark developed a habit of slipping into an empty Sunday-school room “just to pray… let God do what He’s best at.”

• ​During one prayer time, 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 leapt off the page: “My eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.”

• ​In 2014, following a cornea transplant, he woke in recovery loudly quoting John 3:16-17. A nurse heard every word, and Mark told her, “Jesus loves you.”

• ​ His medical journey included “two cataracts, two cornea transplants, a glaucoma filter, diabetes, CPAP, hernia repair,” and a moment when “the doctors couldn’t get me woke up, but God did.”

• ​ After a five-year battle for Social Security disability, the settlement arrived “eight days after we first stood in this church,” making regular attendance possible despite the travel costs.

• ​ His current testimony: “Sister Jerry and I are in better shape than we’ve ever been, because it’s God that’s moved.”

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Scriptures Referenced

• ​2 Chronicles 7:14-16
• ​John 3:16-17
• ​ 1 John 3:1 — “Behold, what manner of love…”

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Spiritual Insights & Emotions

• ​ God has no opposite; even the enemy’s plans “cross His desk” first.

• ​ The Lord delights in the praises rising in this sanctuary, and our worship invites His action.

• ​ Mark expressed gratitude to Brother & Sister Peterson for their steadfast service: “You don’t go to churches all the time and feel what you’re feeling in this church.”

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Holy-Spirit Highlights

• ​ God’s perpetual presence: His “eyes and heart” are fixed on this house.

• ​ Healing and provision: Sight was restored, finances were released, and faith was strengthened.

• ​ Testimony became evangelism: Scripture was declared aloud in a hospital recovery room.

• ​ Endurance: A five-year legal struggle ended the very week Mark stepped into this fellowship.

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Prayer Points & Next Steps

• ​ Continued healing and strength for Brother Mark and Sister Jerry.

• ​ A deeper outpouring of God’s presence as the church maintains its rhythm of worship, fasting, and prayer.

• ​ Blessing over Brother & Sister Peterson’s ongoing leadership.• Courage for every member “going through something” to “hold on to Jesus” until He reveals Himself.

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Closing Blessing

“God bless you.”

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. Follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Landmark’s Four Pillars | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, August 26, 2026 | 7 PM

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Four Pillars for a Strong Church Life

Church is not a spectator event but a family living out the gospel together. Pastor Nathan Peterson presents four pillars that keep believers healthy and churches strong: obeying the gospel, gathering faithfully, giving faithfully, and guarding our words.

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1 | Obey the Simple Gospel

Acts 2 shows believers responding through repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Ghost—and that pattern still stands today.

Faith requires action.

Repentance means turning around.

Baptism represents obedience and being buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-4).

The Holy Ghost empowers victorious living.

Acts 19 shows people who believed but had not received the Holy Ghost. Many enter Pentecostal services unfamiliar with Him yet leave changed when they welcome His presence.

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2 | Faithful Church Attendance

Hebrews 10:25 commands believers not to forsake assembling together.

Being present brings joy, strength, fellowship, and protection. The early church continued in doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Church is relationship—not merely checking a name off a roll.

We cannot fulfill our kingdom purpose while living in isolation.

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3 | Faithful in Tithes and Offerings

Giving is worship. Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, and Proverbs 3:9 call us to honor God with what He has given us.

The tithe is His portion; an offering expresses love beyond the tithe. The widow’s two mites show that God looks at the heart, not merely the amount.

Giving frees our hearts from the love of money while supporting ministry, outreach, and missions.

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4 | Refraining from Gossip

Proverbs 16:27 compares destructive speech to scorching fire. James describes the tongue as a spark that can set a forest ablaze.

Gossip creates suspicion, division, and wounded believers. Kingdom speech should build, bless, reconcile, and protect unity.

Discipleship focuses not only on what to avoid but on what to do: “Follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men.”

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Key Truths

• ​ The Acts 2 pattern remains God’s gospel pattern.
• ​ Your presence strengthens you and the body.
• ​ Giving is worship and releases blessing.
• ​ Mature believers choose life-giving speech.
• ​ A healthy church grows when every member accepts responsibility.

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Our Response

• ​Obey the full gospel pattern.
• ​Prioritize Sunday and mid-week gatherings.
• ​Begin tithing with your next income and prayerfully consider an offering.
• ​Refuse gossip; redirect conversations toward prayer, restoration, and encouragement.
• ​Find a place to serve.

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Closing

Belonging to God’s family is a gift carrying responsibility. When believers embrace these pillars, the church becomes the unified witness Jesus intended.

A low-drama, high-commitment church can shine His light and bring many home.

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Prayer

The pastor prayed that God would seal these principles in every heart, increase faith, strengthen the struggling, and make His Word “daily bread” for every step.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. Follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Jesus, the Ultimate Banker | Bro. Allen Parlier

Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 10:30 AM

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Opening Moments

• ​Pastor welcomed everyone with, “Praise the Lord… grab a coffee, grab a donut.”
• ​The atmosphere was filled with joyful conversation, fresh coffee, and donuts disappearing quickly.
• ​Pastor introduced Bro. Allen Parlier and invited him to share what the Lord was doing in his life.
• ​The congregation stood as Bro. Allen read Galatians 6:7–10 aloud.

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Testimony

Life Context

• ​Bro. Allen served in the Air Force as an in-flight refueler but described himself as someone who was “running away from God.”
• ​His life included two arrests, drugs, alcohol rehabilitation, and three days in a mental-health ward.
• ​He eventually medically retired with an 80% disability rating, and his VA benefits became his safety net.

Turning Points & Miracles

• ​His praying sister and brother-in-law, who is now his pastor, were planting a church in Parsons, Kansas.
• ​One night, while high on marijuana and sleeping on the church couch, Allen heard the Lord say, “Allen, I need you to stop running. I need you to come home.”
• ​He immediately became sober, was filled with the Holy Ghost, and began speaking in tongues.
• ​He described his surrender as a transaction: “God, here’s my life for whatever You want to give me.”
• ​His VA benefits increase was approved in only three days, resulting in $12,000 in back pay and an additional $2,000 per month.
• ​After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he testified, “I don’t have it anymore in Jesus’ name.”
• ​He married his wife, Brooklyn, two months ago.
• ​He also testified that his atheist sister was baptized and filled with the Spirit at the Iowa District Convention.

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Scriptures Referenced

• ​Galatians 6:7–10 — Sowing and reaping
• ​Psalm — “Today is the day that God has made.”
• ​John 14:12 — “He who believes in Me… greater works than these he will do.”

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Spiritual Insights

• ​Weariness is “a process,” but every day is a new day.
• ​God has enough power, joy, promise, and purpose for anyone who will stop running and come home.
• ​The church was challenged to make a “transaction” of faith during worship and the baptisms that would follow.

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Holy-Spirit Highlights

• ​A prodigal experienced instant sobriety and was filled with the Holy Ghost on a church couch.
• ​The repeated promise was that what we sow in service to God, He will reward.
• ​The testimony of the accelerated VA approval stirred faith for financial miracles.
• ​The congregation was reminded, “Jesus Christ will be your friend… there is enough room.”
• ​Pastor responded with excitement: “Man, I feel like preaching… we’re going to have church, hallelujah.”

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Prayer Points & Next Steps

• ​Pray for those who are tired, weary, or running from God to come home today.
• ​Expect a Holy-Ghost outpouring and baptisms in the service that follows.
• ​Believe God for healing in minds and bodies, including freedom from addictions and mental-health struggles.
• ​Pray for financial provision for those in need, trusting God as the provider.
• ​Pray for young people to rise as soul-winners and worshipers.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If this message encouraged you, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Buried Alive | Bro. Frankie Taylor

Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 4 PM

Iowa District UPCI Section 5 Back-to-School Rally

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Notes

Opening Moments

• ​The sanctuary rang with freedom songs and the declaration, “Look at what the Lord has done.”
• ​1 Timothy 4:12 - Pastor Nathan Peterson challenged students to be examples “in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
• ​The purpose: equip students to carry Jesus into every school and workplace this fall.

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Testimonies

— Xavier —

• ​Came to church 4–5 years ago after once saying, “I don’t believe in God.”
• ​A prophetic word said he would preach and start a P7 Bible club.
• ​He previously struggled with weed, drinking, unhealthy relationships, and fear of peers.
• ​His challenge: “Live to God your fullest.” “I don’t care what anybody thinks of me. I care what the Lord thinks.” “Give God your 110%.”
• ​He plans to launch the long-delayed P7 and pray boldly for classmates and co-workers.

— Jazlynne —

“Buffalo Wild Wings Moment”

• ​For the first time, she publicly prayed for a stranger, a hurting waitress.
• ​Though fear battled her, she followed the Lord’s prompting: “I just feel like God is calling me to pray for you.”
• ​The waitress wept, reinforcing the truth: “God will bless your boldness.”
• ​We are equipped to share His love in restaurants, workplaces, and wherever we go.

— Lydia —

• ​Matthew 7:13–14
• ​After receiving the Holy Ghost at 10, Lydia spent years in rebellion before becoming tired of running from God.
• ​She began handing out church cards and launched a P7, even when only two friends came.
• ​“God never said it was going to be an easy road.”
• ​Her goals: grow the P7 and raise $5,000 for Move the Mission, trusting “His way is always better than ours.”

— Arabella –

• ​Started a P7 in sixth grade with only one or two students.
• ​Despite having no announcement privileges or posters, she persevered.
• ​Handing out invitations eventually grew attendance to eight.
• ​Her joy is teaching peers to pray and talk to others about Jesus.

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Buried Alive – Evangelist Frankie Taylor

Scripture: II Kings 13:20–21

• ​Core line: “Your condition does not have to become your conclusion.”
• ​Prophetic picture: “God, give me a burden and give me a shovel.” We are called to dig up people the world has buried. Frankie shared how years of prayer helped dig his sister Stephanie and brother DeAndre out of addiction; both now serve God.
• ​Students were challenged to take a mini-shovel home as a reminder to reach the lost.

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Holy-Spirit Highlights

• ​Freedom in worship broke heaviness and shame.
• ​Student-led P7 clubs continue to be a powerful on-campus strategy.
• ​Bold, in-the-moment prayer can change lives.
• ​The “Buried Alive” message ignited compassion to unearth buried callings.
• ​Shovels became a prophetic symbol of soul-winning responsibility.

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Prayer Points & Next Steps

• ​Pray for boldness to pray publicly and share your testimony.
• ​Launch or revive P7 and CMI clubs; believe for full classrooms.
• ​Pray for family members bound by addiction or unbelief.
• ​Believe God for Move the Mission offering goals and resources.
• ​Daily declaration: “Lord, give me a burden and give me a shovel.”

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If this message encouraged you, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

The Good Shepherd | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 11 AM

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The Good Shepherd

Big Idea: Jesus is the true Shepherd who seeks, saves, and leads His people. Our life and security are found in knowing His voice and following where He guides.

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Overview

Pastor Nathan Peterson welcomed the congregation into joyful worship and challenged the church to step out of its comfort zone. From Psalm 23, he introduced “The Good Shepherd.” Using John 9 and the picture of Middle Eastern shepherding, he showed how Jesus cares for His flock, calls each sheep by name, and protects them from every threat. The message concluded with a call to lay every burden at the altar and follow the Shepherd into abundant life.

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Key Scripture

• ​ Psalm 23 — The Lord is our Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects.
• ​ John 9 — Jesus finds the man rejected by religion and reveals Himself as the Son of God.

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Main Points

Jesus searches for the rejected sheepThe blind man testified, “I was blind, now I see,” and the Pharisees expelled him. When Jesus heard, He found him. Rejection became the moment the Shepherd drew near. Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” Everything begins with faith in Him, not human approval.

What it means that the Lord is my ShepherdBecause the Shepherd owns the flock, “I shall not want.” He provides rest, restoration, righteous paths, and courage through the valleys. His rod and staff bring comfort through correction and guidance. Goodness and mercy follow us all our days.

Sheep know the Shepherd’s voiceIn the ancient Near East, multiple flocks could share one sheepfold, but sheep followed their shepherd’s unique voice. A stranger could not fool them. Spiritually, our identity is not based on outward badges, but on our response to Jesus: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Guarding the flock and giving our all1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies and spirits belong to God, bought with a price. In Acts 20, Paul warned that “grievous wolves” would arise to scatter the flock. The church must fight for faith, refuse division, support the weak, and remain centered on the Good Shepherd.

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Application

Lay every burden at the altar, trust the Shepherd’s voice, and follow Him in repentance, baptism, Spirit-filled living, and active protection of His flock.

• ​Head — Remember that you belong to Jesus. Your life, body, and future are His and under His care.
• ​Heart — Trade fear and rejection for worship. The Shepherd found you, loves you, and will never abandon you.
• ​Hands — Be baptized in Jesus’ name if you have not been.
• ​Tune your ear daily through Scripture and prayer so you recognize His voice.
• ​Protect the fellowship, support the weak, and fight for one another’s faith.

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Reflection Questions

• ​When have you felt cast out or overlooked, and how might Jesus be finding you there?
• ​What habits help you discern the Shepherd’s voice?
• ​Which part of Psalm 23 feels most urgent—provision, guidance, protection, or restoration?
• ​How can you strengthen the flock God has placed you in?
• ​What step of obedience is the Shepherd asking of you today?

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Prayer

Good Shepherd, thank You for searching for us when we were blind and rejected. Teach us to recognize Your voice, trust Your guidance, and follow You without fear. Guard Your church from every wolf, unite us in love, and lead us until we dwell in Your house forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If this message encouraged you, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport.

Bible Studies | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 10:30 AM

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The Transforming Power of Small-Group Bible Studies

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Scripture Reference

Acts 2:42

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The early church devoted themselves to doctrine, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. This message challenges us to bring God’s Word beyond the Sunday service and into our homes. Small-group Bible studies create space for honest questions, shared growth, meaningful relationships, and lifelong discipleship.

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Main Points

1 | The Early-Church Pattern

• ​Acts 2 shows believers regularly gathering around teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer.
• ​Their devotion produced awe, miracles, generosity, and steady growth: “The Lord added to the church daily.”
• ​Today’s church can follow this pattern by centering regular gatherings on Scripture.

2 | Why Bible Studies Matter

• ​Provide a safe setting to ask difficult questions and explore Scripture.
• ​Move fellowship beyond social time into purposeful engagement with God’s Word.
• ​Connect people who may never cross paths in a large service.
• ​Strengthen new converts so an initial experience with God develops into lifelong discipleship.
• ​Sister Peggy shared how a weekly study that began in January has grown to Lesson 9. Even after an exhausting day, she found refreshment through discussing Scripture with Brother and Sister Blade. Each week brings new understanding, conversation, and fellowship.

3 | Getting Involved

A sign-up sheet is available for anyone who wants to:

Attend a study

• ​Host a study in their home
• ​Teach a study
• ​Request biblical topics or preferred meeting times

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Available resources include:

• ​Exploring God’s Word — a 12-lesson survey from Genesis through Revelation.
• ​Into His Marvelous Light — an introductory study covering repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost.
• ​Materials and help are available to connect participants with appropriate groups.

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Expected Impact

Bringing Scripture into everyday spaces can transform our walk with God. Small groups and one-on-one studies open hearts in ways a crowded sanctuary cannot. Consistent study helps believers continue growing after a powerful altar experience and become mature disciples who discover God’s purpose for their lives.

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Key Truths

The earliest Christians grew through regular fellowship around Scripture, prayer, meals, and mutual care.

Bible studies turn casual fellowship into intentional spiritual formation.

• ​Honest dialogue helps believers understand and apply Scripture.
• ​Consistent study helps new believers remain grounded after an initial encounter with God.
• ​Everyone can contribute by hosting, teaching, or simply showing up hungry to learn.
• ​Response
• ​Sign up to attend, host, or teach a Bible study.

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Share the days and times that work for you and topics

you want to explore.

• ​Invite someone outside your usual circle to join you.
• ​Commit to completing the study you begin.
• ​Pray for God to add people to His church through home Bible studies.

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Closing

• ​Bible studies are not simply another church program. They reflect the heartbeat of Acts 2, where everyday believers gathered around God’s Word and saw lives transformed.

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The invitation is open to everyone—new convert or longtime saint—to step beyond Sunday services and let Scripture reshape your home, friendships, and future.

“A Bible study will totally transform your relationship with God.”

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Resources:

Exploring God’s Word — 12-lesson survey

Into His Marvelous Light — introductory salvation study

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast. If this message encouraged you, follow the podcast, share this episode, and join us in person for worship at Landmark Church in Davenport, Iowa.