Landmark UPCI

The Church in Acts: Lesson 1 | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 7 PM

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Scripture References

• ​Luke 24
• ​Acts 1
• ​Ephesians 4

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Overview

God is preparing His church for a season of harvest! In this opening lesson of The Church in Acts, Pastor Nathan Peterson challenges believers to rediscover what it means to be an apostolic, Pentecostal church—filled with the Holy Ghost, grounded in truth, and empowered to reach the lost.

Every believer is a temple of God, carrying His presence wherever they go. Through worship, prayer, holiness, and Spirit-led living, the church must prepare for the souls God will send, both through its doors and into everyday life.

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Key Points

1 | Worship Invites God’s Presence

• ​Unified worship creates an atmosphere where God can move.
• ​Worship isn’t confined to a building. God’s presence can meet us anywhere.
• ​Personal worship strengthens our relationship with God and shifts the atmosphere.

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2 | Every Season Has a Purpose

• ​Growth and difficulty provide opportunities for spiritual development.
• ​Quiet seasons prepare the faithful for future harvest.
• ​God uses every experience to equip His church.

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3 | We Are the Temple of God

• ​The church isn’t a building; it’s a people filled with God’s Spirit.
• ​Holiness, prayer, and consecration matter because we carry His presence.
• ​Without the Holy Ghost, the church becomes a religious gathering.

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4 | What Does Apostolic and Pentecostal Mean?

• ​Apostolic means following the doctrine and example of the apostles.
• ​Pentecostal describes the Holy Ghost experience demonstrated in Acts 2.
• ​These identities aren’t about superiority but biblical faithfulness.
• ​Being apostolic is more than a label; it’s a way of life.

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5 | Empowered by the Holy Ghost

• ​Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for power from on high (Luke 24; Acts 1).
• ​The Holy Ghost empowers believers to witness, minister, and fulfill God’s calling.
• ​The church must depend upon the Spirit rather than human ability.
• ​Ministry gifts strengthen and prepare the body (Ephesians 4).

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6 | Soul-Winning Requires Intentionality

• ​God places people in our paths who need His love and truth.
• ​Reaching souls requires wisdom, prayer, and investment.
• ​Ministry must extend beyond church services into everyday encounters.
• ​Every believer has a responsibility in the harvest.

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7 | Overcoming Fear and Discomfort

• ​Sharing our faith may feel intimidating, but God equips us.
• ​Small acts of obedience open doors for conversations.
• ​A simple invitation, testimony, or prayer may change someone’s eternity.
• ​God can use every willing vessel.

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Key Truths

• ​Worship is powerful wherever we go.
• ​God prepares His church through every season.
• ​The true church is a Spirit-filled people, not a building.
• ​Apostolic doctrine and Pentecostal experience are essential.
• ​The Holy Ghost provides power for witnessing and ministry.
• ​Every believer is important to God’s harvest.

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Our Response

Cultivate daily worship, commit to prayer and fasting, and remain sensitive to the Holy Ghost. Ask God for opportunities to minister, step beyond discomfort, & share the gospel.

God is building a Spirit-driven church prepared for revival and harvest. Every member has a purpose, & every soul matters.

“You’re not insignificant to the harvest; you are critically important.”

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Closing Prayer

A prayer for Landmark to remain an apostolic, Holy Ghost-filled church—committed to holiness, bold in witnessing, & fruitful in reaching souls.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark UPCI Podcast! We pray this message has encouraged, strengthened, & challenged you in your walk with God.

If this message has blessed you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Follow our podcast for more anointed preaching, biblical teaching, & encouragement from Landmark Pentecostal Church in Davenport, Iowa.

God bless you, & thank you for being part of the Landmark family!

What Mean These Stones? | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 11 AM

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What Mean These Stones?

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Big Idea: God brings His people through impossible obstacles, then calls us to remember and retell those miracles so every generation can trust His mighty hand.

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Overview

Israel stood before the flooded Jordan with no way to cross without God. When the priests stepped into the water carrying the Ark, God stopped the river and led His people across on dry ground. Before they continued to Jericho, Joshua sent twelve men into the riverbed to collect stones and build a memorial.

Those stones would cause future generations to ask, “What do these stones mean?” and give them an opportunity to hear the story of God’s power.

Pastor Nathan challenges us to do the same: look back and build “stones of testimony.” Every believer has a testimony worth carrying. Remembering what God has done gives us faith for what He can still do.

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Key Scriptures

• ​Joshua 3–4 — God stops the Jordan & commands twelve memorial stones.
• ​Psalm 78:4-8 — Tell the next generation about His works so they will hope in God.
• ​Revelation 12:11 — We overcome by the blood of the Lamb & the word of our testimony.

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Main Points

1 | God leads us to rivers we cannot cross alone.

• ​The Jordan was overflowing, & no human plan could solve the problem.
• ​We face moments involving addiction, finances, relationships, and impossible needs where only God can make a way.
• ​Obstacles that feel like endings can become stages for God’s glory.

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2 | Miracles require a step of faith.

• ​At the Jordan, the priests had to step into the water before it parted.
• ​Faith that stays on the shoreline never experiences the miracle.
• ​Sometimes we must reach before we see the response.

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3 | Gather stones from where you stood firm.

• ​Twelve men carried stones from the riverbed where the Ark had rested.
• ​Your greatest testimony may come from the place that once looked like your greatest obstacle.
• ​Pastor Nathan shares how God delivered him from drug & alcohol addiction in a single moment.

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4 | Tell the next generation.

• ​If our children never hear what God has done, they may never expect what He can do.
• ​Psalm 78 warns against becoming a generation that forgets.
• ​Every generation has a testimony to share, and our testimonies should resound loudly.

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5 | Remembering fuels reverence and boldness.

• ​Scripture repeatedly warns, “Beware lest you forget.”
• ​Memorial stones keep worship vibrant, prayer passionate, and outreach urgent.

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Application

Step into the water, pick up your stone, and tell the story so others will know the Lord is mighty.

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Head — See every obstacle as an opportunity for God to act.

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Heart — Rekindle gratitude and holy awe: “I shouldn’t even be here, but Jesus brought me through.”

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Hands

• ​Write or record your testimony and share it this week.
• ​Create a tangible memorial for answered prayers.
• ​Take the first obedient step when a new challenge comes.

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Reflection Questions

• ​What “Jordan River” are you facing that feels impossible without God?
• ​Where have you seen the Lord work, and what “stone” should you pick up?
• ​Who in the next generation needs to hear your testimony?
• ​How can your family create memorials that spark spiritual conversations?
• ​Where have you begun to forget God’s faithfulness?

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Prayer

Mighty God, You stopped the Jordan for Your people, and You have stopped countless floods in our lives. Forgive us when we forget. Plant every testimony deep in our memory so our children and neighbors may ask, “What do these stones mean?” Give us courage to step into new waters, faith to expect fresh miracles, and love to tell Your story again and again. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thank you for listening to this message from Landmark Pentecostal Church. We pray that this message encourages you, strengthens your faith, & draws you closer to Jesus.

The Next Town (NAM) | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, October 4, 2026 | 10:30 AM

Reach the Next Town

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Big Idea: God is raising up new Spirit-filled churches across North America, and our congregation is called to join the movement—starting where we are and reaching the next town.

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Overview

Pastor Nathan Peterson shares highlights from the UPCI General Conference and celebrates unprecedented growth through North American Missions: 901 new churches launched in the past four years. Testimonies from Maryland, California, and Arkansas show how small beginnings can transform communities. Though our local assembly is still “under the radar,” it is part of the same missional wave and is preparing to enter official North American Missions status. Every prayer, act of service, and financial gift matters as God continues writing His story through us and through the next town that has yet to hear the gospel.

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Key Scripture

• ​John 4 — Jesus’ words, “I must needs go to Samaria,” model going to unreached places.

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Main Points

1 | God is doing something historic through North American Missions.

• ​901 new churches have been planted in four years.
• ​Christmas for Christ and ongoing generosity help train, resource, and send church planters.
• ​Every new church means another community reached and another opportunity for revival.

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2 | Real lives are being changed.

• ​James Wilson reported 35 baptisms in Jesus’ name and 12 receiving the Holy Ghost since launching Thrive City Church in Maryland.
• ​Tirso Gonzalez began Life Center in Fresno with a Bible study on a Starbucks patio; it became a light in a city of 527,000.
• ​Joseph Gonzalez was shot five times in 2016, called on God in an ICU, received the Holy Ghost, and experienced transformation.
• ​Tim Gaddy of New Life Church in Cabot, Arkansas, shows long-term fruit from a 1999 church plant and continues to give substantially to missions.

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3 | Our local church is part of the same mission.

• ​Starting small and trusting God for impact is normal for Spirit-filled believers.
• ​This congregation will soon apply for North American Missions status and move into its next phase.
• ​Every member’s prayers, burden for souls, and willingness to serve make a difference. If everyone thought they were insignificant, those 901 churches would not exist.
• ​The Spirit empowers the work and gives the church a desire to reach the unreached.

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4 | Keep moving toward the next town.

• ​Past victories must not become complacency; surrounding communities still need a Spirit-filled witness.
• ​“There is a Brother Joseph in your community” waiting for the gospel.
• ​The service closed with a call to believe “one more time for revival” in our city and beyond.

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Application

Embrace the mission—pray, give, and go so the next town hears the gospel and experiences Spirit-filled revival.

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Head — Recognize that God often uses small beginnings.

Heart — Ask God for a fresh burden for unreached people and faith-filled expectancy for revival.

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Hands

Pray daily for the next community that needs a Spirit-filled church.

Give sacrificially to Christmas for Christ and other North American Missions offerings.

Volunteer in at least one ministry of the local church.

Share your testimony with someone who feels insignificant or hopeless.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the revival You are stirring across North America. Kindle that fire in our hearts and congregation. Give us vision for the towns and neighborhoods still waiting to hear Your name.

Empower us to pray boldly, give generously, and serve faithfully. Use our small beginnings to change lives.

We commit ourselves to Your mission until every city and soul has been reached. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thank you for listening to this message from Landmark Pentecostal Church. We pray that this message encourages you, strengthens your faith, and draws you closer to Jesus.

Making Room for the Oil | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 11 AM

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Big Idea: When we offer God the little “oil” we already have and make room for Him, He multiplies it to meet every need and advance His kingdom.

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Overview

Pastor Nathan Peterson takes us to the story of the widow in 2 Kings 4:1–7, where God transforms one small jar of oil into enough to cancel a crushing debt and provide for the future. The widow initially declares, “I have nothing,” but discovers what she already has is enough for God to work with.

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In the same way, we can bring God whatever is already in our “house”—our time, gifts, prayers, resources, and passion. Obedience creates capacity.

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As the widow borrowed empty vessels, shut the door, and began to pour, the oil multiplied until every vessel was full.

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When we pour out what He has given us, He can bring freedom, healing, provision, and revival.

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Key Scriptures

• ​2 Kings 4:1–7 — God multiplies the small oil we pour out in faith.

• ​Revelation 3:18 — Christ calls us to receive what only He can provide.

• ​James 5:16–18 — Righteous prayer has great power.

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Main Points

1 | Face the need and identify what’s in your house.The widow faced impossible debt and the fear of losing her sons. At first she said, “I have nothing,” but then remembered the one pot of oil she possessed. We often overlook the prayer, compassion, testimony, gift, or resource God can use.

2 | Obey the instructions and make room for God.Elisha instructed her to borrow “not a few” empty vessels and shut the door. Obedience involved the household and created room for faith to grow. We must clear away distractions, sin, and unbelief.

3 | Pour out what you have and trust God to give the increase.The widow kept pouring until every vessel was full. The oil stopped when there was no more capacity. God—not technique—produced the miracle. The church must keep pouring through prayer, testimony, service, and ministry.

4 | Live from the overflow and bless others.Elisha told the widow to sell the oil, pay her debt, and live on the rest. The miracle moved beyond her immediate need. A Spirit-filled church becomes a place where hurting people encounter hope, healing, freedom, and God’s presence.

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Application

Head: Believe that God’s supply depends on His power, not the size of your resource.

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Heart: Trust God enough to expose empty places, repent, and allow His Spirit to fill them.

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Hands: Identify the “oil” you already possess—time, skills, testimony, or resources.

Remove distractions, unconfessed sin, and unbelief.

Pour into someone this week through prayer, service, or your testimony.

Join corporate prayer and discipleship, offering your vessel to God’s work.

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Reflection Questions

1 | What “small oil” in your life might you be discounting?

2 | What empty vessels is God asking you to help bring before Him?

3 | How can you “shut the door” on doubt and create space for faith?

4 | Where have you seen God multiply your obedience before?

5 | What will you do this week to pour out rather than store up?

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the same God who filled every jar in the widow’s home. We confess our tendency to say, “I have nothing,” and we place our small supply before You. Cleanse our hearts, expand our capacity, and pour Your Spirit into every empty place. As we obey and pour out, multiply the oil so families are restored, lives are changed, and Your name is glorified in our city. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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Thank you for listening to this message from Landmark Pentecostal Church. We pray it encourages you, strengthens your faith, and draws you closer to Jesus.

If this message has blessed you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. To learn more about Landmark Pentecostal Church, visit us online or join us for an upcoming service.

Which Son Am I? | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 10:30 AM

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Big Idea: What counts in the kingdom is not the promise we make with our lips but the obedience we offer with our lives.

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Overview

Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the two sons in Matthew 21 , the speaker contrasts saying “yes” to God & actually doing His will. One son initially refused but later obeyed; the other politely agreed yet never showed up. Jesus used this story to confront religious leaders who appeared devout while stubbornly resisting God, declaring that tax collectors & prostitutes—those who first said “no” to righteousness—were entering the kingdom ahead of them.

The message presses every listener to examine past & present commitments, acknowledge where human reasoning has replaced spiritual conviction, & choose genuine, follow-through obedience to the Father.

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Key Scripture

Matthew 21:28-32 — The foundation of the whole message: true obedience is proved by action, not by words.

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Main Points

Two very different responses to the Father’s call.

• ​First son: “I will not,” yet later repented & went to the vineyard.
• ​ Second son: “I go, sir,” but never went.
• ​ The turning point lies in repentance that leads to real action.

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Jesus’ pointed application to the religious elite.

• ​Pharisees had “the greatest form of godliness” but refused God’s messenger.
• ​Jesus’ blunt verdict: “Publicans & harlots go into the kingdom before you.”
• ​ His words were intentionally abrasive to expose hollow religiosity.

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Our own pattern of saying “yes” & “no.”

• ​The Spirit often prompts: we eagerly agree, then “reason our way out” of obedience.
• ​ Flesh-based decisions weigh convenience, existing plans, personal comfort.
• ​ Spiritual obedience reprioritizes everything around the Father’s will.

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A call to revisit unfinished obedience.

• ​Ask: Where has God already asked something of me?
• ​The Spirit may be reopening a past assignment or commitment we shelved.
• ​True discipleship means letting Him be “the center of my life & my desire,” whatever the cost.

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Application

The call: Reevaluate every unfinished “yes” and every thought-out “no,” repent where needed, & act on the Father’s present command.

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Head — Recognize the difference between verbal assent & lived obedience; identify areas where reasoning has replaced conviction.

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Heart — Cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit so repentance comes quickly & desire for the Father’s pleasure overrides self-interest.

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Hands — Revisit one specific commitment you have postponed & take the first concrete step this week.

Schedule uninterrupted time to pray, “Father, what are You asking of me now?” & listen.

Replace polite excuses with an actionable plan—date, time, people involved—to follow through.

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Reflection Questions

• ​When has your initial “no” turned into obedience, & what prompted the change of heart?
• ​Where have you said “yes” to God but failed to act? What rationalizations crept in?
• ​How do Jesus’ strong words to the Pharisees challenge your own view of spiritual maturity?
• ​What unfinished assignment is the Spirit highlighting today, & what is your next tangible step?
• ​How can you build practices that move promises from intention to faithful action?

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Prayer

Jesus, thank You for speaking & exposing the gap between our words & our deeds. Forgive us for every empty promise and every delayed obedience. Renew our hearts by Your Spirit; give us courage to repent, reorder our priorities, & walk into the vineyard You have prepared for us. May our lives, not just our lips, declare “Yes, Lord.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark UPCI Podcast. We pray this message encourages you, strengthens your faith, and challenges you to follow Jesus with genuine obedience.

For more messages and updates from Landmark Church, follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and connect with us online.

The Crazy Cycle | Lesson 4: From Stewardship to Legacy | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 7 PM

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Big Idea

Every relationship is a trust from God. When we steward each life-stage well, we pass on a Spirit-filled legacy that outlives us.

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Overview

In the final lesson of “The Crazy Cycle” series, Pastor Nathan Peterson explores how relationships change through different seasons of life. From raising children to caring for aging parents, every season requires fresh wisdom and intentional stewardship. We are called to move from stewardship—faithfully caring for what God has entrusted to us—to legacy—leaving something enduring for the next generation.

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Key Scripture

• ​Psalm 127:3
• ​Deuteronomy 6:6-7
• ​Ephesians 6:4
• ​2 Timothy 1:5

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Main Points

1 | Roles Change, People Remain

Family members remain the same, but their roles change throughout life. Conflict develops when expectations fail to adjust to the season.

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2 | Stewarding Childhood to Adulthood

Children are entrusted to parents but ultimately belong to God. The home is the primary classroom for developing faith, biblical convictions, respect, compassion, self-control, and readiness for adulthood. Spiritual formation cannot be outsourced entirely to church programs.

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3 | Discipline That Builds, Not Destroys

Biblical discipline includes clear expectations, appropriate consequences, consistency, explanation, restoration, and affection. Destructive discipline is driven by humiliation, uncontrolled anger, or impossible expectations.

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4 | Transferring Responsibility Through Life Stages

Parenting moves from protection and instruction, to training and supervised choices, to coaching with growing responsibility, and finally to counsel and influence in young adulthood. Marriage creates a new primary household, requiring parents to release control while continuing to offer prayer, support, and wise counsel.

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5 | Navigating Blended and Complex Families

Remarriage, adoption, foster care, and guardianship can create genuine families while carrying additional histories, grief, and loyalties. Healthy relationships require time, communication, child-focused decisions, respectful boundaries, and refusing to use children as leverage.

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6 | From Today’s Choices to Tomorrow’s Legacy

What we build today shapes the culture of the next generation. Like Timothy, the next generation needs tangible examples of genuine faith. Parents and elders are called to live victoriously and pass on their faith.

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Application

Put Jesus at the center of every relationship so the next generation inherits a vibrant, Spirit-filled faith.

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Head: Recognize the biblical pattern for each life stage and evaluate where your family is in the cycle.

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Heart: Ask the Holy Ghost to heal past wounds, replace fear with trust, and deepen love for every family member.

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Hands:

• ​Teach or discuss Scripture with your children this week.
• ​Review your discipline style and replace humiliating or inconsistent methods with nurturing ones.
• ​Clarify expectations and boundaries in a strained relationship.
• ​Pray daily for the salvation and spiritual growth of the next generation.

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Prayer

Father, You are the giver of every relationship we hold dear. Thank You for entrusting children, spouses, parents, and friends to our care. Fill us with the wisdom of Your Word and the power of the Holy Ghost so we can nurture, guide, and release each one according to Your purpose. Heal broken places, unite blended homes, and let the faith that lives in us blaze brightly in the next generation. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Thank you for listening to this message from Landmark Pentecostal Church. We pray that this message encourages you, strengthens your faith, and draws you closer to Jesus.

Hope in the Window | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 11 AM

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When God calls, He also fights for us. Courageous, obedient faith—like Rahab’s scarlet cord—can rescue our households and shape generations to come.

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In Hope in the Window, Pastor Nathan Peterson traces Israel’s journey from the Red Sea to Jericho, reminding us that past victories are meant to fuel present faith. Forty years earlier, ten spies allowed giants and fortified walls to eclipse God’s promise. Now a new generation faces the same obstacles.

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Inside Jericho, Rahab hears what God has done and chooses allegiance to Him. She hides the spies and hangs a scarlet cord from her window. Her decisive act of faith saves her family and places her in the royal line that leads to David and ultimately to Jesus.

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This message challenges us to remember God’s faithfulness, confront the “giants” in front of us, and act in obedient trust so the next chapters of our lives—and our children’s lives—are written by God rather than fear.

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KEY SCRIPTURES

• ​Joshua 2:9–11 — Rahab declares Israel’s God sovereign over heaven and earth
• ​Deuteronomy 3:21–22 — The God who defeated Sihon and Og will fight our future battles.
• ​Hebrews 11:29–31 — Faith parts seas, brings down walls, and saves Rahab because she acted.

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MAIN POINTS

1 | Remember what God has already doneGod split the Red Sea, provided manna, and defeated Egypt. Past victories are reminders that He is still faithful today. Your pain doesn’t dictate God’s faithfulness.

2 | Fear paralyzes; faith actsThe first generation saw the Promised Land but retreated when walls and giants looked bigger than God. Rahab only heard the reports, yet believed enough to risk everything. Fear demands a reaction; faith produces obedience.

3 | Obedient faith ties a scarlet cordRahab’s scarlet cord became a visible sign of her allegiance. She gathered her entire family into the house, demonstrating that faith is not only personal—it can reach an entire household.

4 | Your decision reaches further than you seeRahab became the mother of Boaz and an ancestor of King David and Jesus (Matthew 1:5). One act of trust redirected generations. Our choices today can influence the spiritual future of those who come after us.

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APPLICATION

Tie your own “scarlet cord” by openly aligning yourself with Jesus and stepping into His direction.

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Head: Remember God’s past deliverances and identify the giants intimidating your faith.

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Heart: Let fear give way to courageous trust and develop a burden for your household.

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Hands: Thank God for three specific victories from your past.

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Take one concrete step of obedience you’ve been delaying.

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Pray for each family member by name, inviting them into the “house” of faith.

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• ​Which past work of God should strengthen your faith right now?

• ​What giant or wall is tempting you to retreat?

• ​Where is God asking for a visible act of allegiance?

• ​How might your faith today influence your household’s spiritual future?

• ​Who is God prompting you to bring inside before the walls fall?

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PRAYER

Father, You are God in heaven above and on earth beneath. Thank You for every sea You have parted and every giant You have defeated. Melt our fear and awaken courageous faith. Help us to obey, trust, and gather our families under Your protection. May our choices today write a legacy of salvation for generations to come. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark UPCI Podcast. We pray this message has encouraged your faith and challenged you to draw closer to God.

If this message blessed you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and be sure to follow the podcast for more messages from Landmark Pentecostal Church.

God Saw Me | Sis. Tammy Martin

Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 10:30 AM

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In this powerful message and testimony, Sis. Tammy Martin shares how God saw her through every season of her life—even the darkest moments when she felt broken, alone, afraid, and without hope.

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Opening with Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 91:1-6, Sis. Tammy reminds us that God’s thoughts toward us are thoughts of peace and that there is safety when we choose to dwell under the shadow of the Almighty.

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Continuing the story she began sharing the previous week, Sis. Tammy walks through the turning points, struggles, and miracles that shaped her journey:

• ​Growing up Catholic and believing she could live however she wanted as long as she confessed her sins on holidays.
• ​Carrying enormous responsibility as a straight-A student while caring for her mother and helping raise eight nieces and nephews.
• ​Spiraling into alcohol and drugs as a teenager, nearly losing her life before crying out, “God, get me through. I will serve You.”
• ​Battling an eating disorder for more than two years.
• ​Being struck by a car and being told she would never walk again—yet today she walks, declaring, “That’s nothing but God… My Jehovah Rapha.”
• ​Enduring an abusive marriage, painful words, miscarriages, and seasons of overwhelming despair.
• ​Continuing to run from God before finally surrendering at an altar, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Ghost during an extended revival.
• ​Facing another moment of suicide when an unexpected phone call from her son stopped her from pulling the trigger.
• ​Escaping an impossible situation when her car broke down while she was rushing home to her suicidal son—and friends arrived to help her leave, reminding her that God provides a way.

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Throughout her testimony, Sis. Tammy points to the faithfulness and patience of a God who never stopped seeing her.

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She reminds us of the names of God: El Roi—the God who sees; Jehovah Shammah—the God who is ever-present; and Jehovah Rapha—the God who heals.

Even through repeated failures and seasons of turning away, God never abandoned her. He continued to pursue, protect, heal, and make a way.

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The message is ultimately a call to surrender: Choose Christ today. Give Him every hidden corner of your life. Trust Him with your brokenness.

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Scriptures referenced include:

• ​Jeremiah 29:11
• ​Psalm 91:1-6
• ​Lamentations 3:22-23
• ​Psalm 103:8
• ​Ephesians 2:4-5
• ​Psalm 139:7-10
• ​Isaiah 41:10
• ​Proverbs 1:7
• ​John 11:35
• ​Psalm 34:18
• ​Exodus 34:6-7
• ​2 Peter 3:9.

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Whether you are walking through grief, abuse, fear, brokenness, family struggles, or simply wondering if God still sees you, this testimony is a reminder that He knows the thoughts He has toward you, He sees you where you are, and He is still making a way.

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Thank you for listening to this message from Landmark Pentecostal Church. We pray that this message encourages you, strengthens your faith, and draws you closer to Jesus. If this message blessed you, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and be sure to follow the Landmark UPCI Podcast so you never miss another message.

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“For I know the thoughts I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” — Jeremiah 29:11

The Crazy Cycle | Lesson 3: Choosing & Building Covenant | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 7 PM

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Week Three of the “Crazy Cycle” series shifted from the mechanics of dating to the deeper issue beneath every relationship: wholehearted surrender to Jesus. Before any lasting covenant—marriage or otherwise—is possible, each believer must return to “step one,” the altar of repentance, die to self, & allow Christ to define their identity.

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Scripture Reference:

1 Corinthians 13

The service opened with corporate intercession for those who are ill, spontaneous worship, & a reminder that Landmark is a praying, Spirit-filled church. From that atmosphere of liberty, Pastor Peterson continued the relationship series with a powerful call to surrender, preparation, & redemption.

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Main Points:

• ​Singleness is a season of preparation, not a waiting room. The decisions, habits, emotional maturity, & counsel developed now will influence future relationships.
• ​The enemy tells singles they are “ineffective, incomplete, inadequate,” but identity & value are found in Christ—not marital status.
• ​Covenant begins with personal surrender. The identity each person brings into a relationship matters, & the selfless love described in 1 Corinthians 13 requires a Spirit-formed life.
• ​“He’s number one.” The real cure for destructive relationship cycles is not simply better technique, but submission to Jesus.
• ​Return to the altar. Like the tabernacle pattern that began with the altar of sacrifice, believers must continually return to repentance whenever pride, hurt, bitterness, or blame rises.
• ​Death to self produces life. Jesus’ call to “hate” one’s life points to surrendering the carnal will and yielding fully to Christ. From that surrender come peace, freedom, and the ability to love others rightly.
• ​God can redeem any past. Pastor Peterson shared personal stories of brokenness, restoration, and ministry, including returning to the halfway house where he once lived. These testimonies demonstrate that no past is beyond God’s ability to redeem.
• ​The church should expect messy stories. Redemption is part of the mission of the Church. God can take broken places and turn them into testimonies that strengthen future generations.

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Key Truths:

• ​God’s principles work; adopting them early can prevent repeated cycles of pain.
• ​Your value is established in Christ, not your relationship status or past mistakes.
• ​True discipleship requires continual surrender at the altar of repentance.
• ​God can redeem any history and use your testimony for His glory.
• ​Prayer, vulnerability, and expectation create an atmosphere where God can work.

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Response:

Surrender your plans and identity to Jesus today. Revisit “step one” whenever pride, hurt, or blame surfaces. Develop the character, habits, and wisdom you want to bring into future relationships. Intercede for those caught in destructive cycles, and believe God for their redemption. Share your testimony courageously so that those coming behind you can see what God can do.

The message ended with an invitation to the altar—no program, no pressure, just honest surrender. Whether single or married, young or old, everyone was encouraged to drop their defenses, release bitterness and fear, and allow Jesus to shape their future.

“When He does what only He can do, you will look back and say, ‘There is absolutely no way I could not live for Jesus Christ—He did the impossible in my life.’”

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Prayer:

The closing prayer asked God to pour out healing, break walls of bitterness, raise up testimonies, and keep Jesus first in every heart.

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Thank you for listening to the Landmark UPCI Podcast. We pray this message encourages you, strengthens your faith, and draws you closer to Jesus Christ. For more information about Landmark Church, upcoming services, and events, visit us online and follow us on social media.

Faithful in Babylon | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 11 AM

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Big Idea:

Like Daniel, we can live in a hostile culture without letting that culture live in us—because God’s mercies are new every morning and His faithfulness empowers us to stand.

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Overview

Pastor began with a Cold War submarine story showing how fear & pressure can distort reality. In a similar way, “Babylon”—the surrounding culture—tries to reshape our identity, values, and future.

Drawing from Daniel 1 & Lamentations 3, the message challenged us to anchor our hope in God’s unfailing compassion, establish settled convictions, & influence the world without compromise.

Holiness is not hiding from society; it is belonging wholly to God while serving Him in society. Every believer must know who they are in Christ, draw clear lines, & walk with both conviction and kindness.

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Key Scripture

• ​Lamentations 3:21–26 — Our hope rests on God’s fresh mercies & great faithfulness.
• ​Daniel 1 — Daniel maintained his God-given identity while living in Babylon.
• ​Ephesians 2:10 — We are God’s workmanship, created for good works wherever He places us.

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Main Points

1 | External pressure can lie to you.

Submarine B-59 mistook practice depth charges for a real attack, & fear nearly led to a nuclear response. Cultural noise can do the same thing to us, making us believe God has abandoned us. Our truth must come from God, not our circumstances.

2 | Babylon’s strategy is to reshape identity.

Nebuchadnezzar changed the Hebrew youths’ names, language, education, diet, & career paths. Culture still attempts to define our success, desires, values, and morality—especially for children and new believers.

3 | Daniel responded with conviction without arrogance.

“Daniel purposed in his heart” (Daniel 1:8). He respectfully requested a different diet rather than starting a revolt. He learned Babylonian culture, served multiple kings, and continued praying three times a day. His faithfulness produced an “excellent spirit,” and even pagan rulers recognized “Daniel’s God.”

4 | Our call is holy presence, not holy escape.

Holiness means belonging completely to God while working, studying, and loving people where we are. Preferences can flex; core convictions cannot. We should be able to walk into our classrooms, workplaces, homes, and communities saying, “I can serve God right here.”

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Application

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The call:

Settle in your heart that you belong to Jesus alone—and live that identity openly, kindly, and unshakably in today’s “Babylon.”

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Head:

Recognize the culture’s attempts to rename you and remember what Scripture says you are in Christ.

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Heart:

Rest in God’s daily mercies and let gratitude replace fear when pressure rises.

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Hands:

Establish a daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture.

Write down your non-negotiable convictions before the test comes.

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Serve with excellence at school, work, and home so God’s character shines through you.

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Reflection Questions

• ​When have external pressures made God feel absent? How does Lamentations 3 reframe that moment?
• ​Which part of Babylon’s strategy—name, language, diet, or future—presses hardest on you?
• ​Where do you need to replace confrontation with a humble request, as Daniel did?
• ​What specific “line” is God asking you to draw or redraw?
• ​How can your excellence point someone to “Daniel’s God”?

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Prayer

Faithful Father, Your compassions never fail. Teach us who we are in Christ, give us courage to live that identity, and fill us with an excellent spirit that honors You. Keep our hearts pure, our convictions firm, and our love genuine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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