Landmark UPCI

Beyond the Rod | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 11:00 AM

Big Idea

When you lay down what is in your hand and surrender every fear, God turns the very things that terrify or limit you into instruments of deliverance, purpose, and testimony.

Episode Overview

Using Moses’ staff as the foundation, Pastor Nathan Peterson explores how God transforms ordinary things surrendered to Him into extraordinary instruments of His purpose. From Moses casting down his rod in Exodus, to the bronze serpent in the wilderness, to Jesus being lifted up for the salvation of the world, this message reveals that God has authority over every fear, obstacle, and limitation.

Whether you’re struggling with fear, doubt, past failures, or a wilderness season, this sermon is a call to release control, trust God’s leading, and step boldly into His promises. The same God who transformed Moses’ rod can transform your story into a testimony of His grace.

Key Scriptures

* Exodus 4:1–4

* Numbers 21

* John 3:14–17

* John 1:1–5

* James 1:2–4

Main Points

* God starts with what you already carry.

* Moses’ rod represented identity, livelihood, and control.

* God often asks us to surrender what we value most before He uses it for His glory.

* Light exposes and guides.

* Jesus is the Light that overcomes darkness.

* Walking in His light leads us out of confusion and into purpose.

* From serpent bites to saving vision.

* The bronze serpent pointed forward to Christ.

* Looking to Jesus transforms judgment into healing and hope.

* Beyond the wilderness lies the promise.

* Fear, comfort, and excuses keep us wandering.

* Complete surrender leads to God’s purpose and lasting fruitfulness.

Practical Application

Ask yourself:

* What “rod” am I still holding onto?

* What fear is keeping me from fully obeying God?

* How can I surrender control and trust Him more completely this week?

This week:

* Surrender something symbolic to God as an act of faith.

* Replace complaints with Scripture and thanksgiving.

* Use the gifts and experiences God has given you to serve someone else.

Reflection Questions

1. ​What “rod” are you still gripping instead of surrendering to God?
2. ​Where has fear influenced your decisions more than faith?
3. ​How has your wilderness season prepared you for God’s purpose?
4. ​What does it look like to keep your eyes on Jesus when old struggles return?
5. ​Who needs to hear your testimony of God’s transforming power?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, we place every fear, gift, and unfinished story into Your hands. Shine Your light into our darkness, break every chain, and transform what once limited us into instruments of Your glory. Lead us beyond the wilderness and into the purpose You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

The Lord Will Meet You | Sis. Jazlynne Peterson

Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 10:30 AM

God personally goes ahead of you, stays with you, and will unfailingly bring His promises to pass—even in seasons that feel slow and discouraging.

Main Topics

* God’s promise to go before His people and never leave them.

* Trusting God’s perfect timing while waiting on His promises.

* Overcoming discouragement through faith, surrender, and worship.

* Living as more than conquerors through Jesus Christ.

* Walking in faith before the promise becomes visible.

Key Scriptures

* Deuteronomy 31:8

* Habakkuk 2:3

* Romans 8:37

* Psalm 23

* Numbers 23:19

* Hebrews 11:1

Episode Summary

Discouragement often comes when prayers seem unanswered and God’s promises feel delayed. In this encouraging message, Sis. Jazlynne Peterson reminds us that God has already gone before us and faithfully walks beside us through every season. Though the vision may seem slow in coming, God’s timing is always perfect, and His promises never fail.

Drawing from Scripture, personal testimony, and heartfelt reflections, this message encourages believers to surrender every fear, continue worshiping through the waiting, and trust that God is already working behind the scenes. Because God cannot lie, we can confidently walk in faith today as though His promises are already on the way.

Key Takeaways

* God personally goes before you and will never abandon you.

* Waiting does not mean God has forgotten His promise.

* God’s timing is perfect, even when it stretches our faith.

* Faith believes God’s Word before it sees the outcome.

* Worship strengthens us while we wait.

* We are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ.

* Remember God’s faithfulness by journaling His promises and answered prayers.

* Walk today as though God’s promise is already becoming reality.

If this message encouraged you, follow the Landmark Pentecostal Church Podcast, share this episode with a friend, and remember: the Lord will meet you exactly where you are.

Disciples with Distinction: Called to Holiness

Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 7 PM

Here’s a version shortened by approximately 278 characters while preserving the main points:

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Disciples with Distinction: Called to Holiness

Big Idea: Holiness is not about earning God’s favor through rules—it is the lifelong process of being set apart for Him, allowing His Spirit to transform every area of our lives so we can faithfully represent Christ in the world.

Overview

Continuing the Disciples with Distinction series, Pastor Nathan Peterson established the biblical foundation of holiness, emphasizing that it is far more than a list of outward standards. Drawing from Scripture and church history, he explained that holiness means being separated unto God, not merely separated from sin. The message explored sanctification as God’s ongoing work in the believer while reminding the church that outward obedience is the natural fruit of inward transformation. The lesson concluded by introducing the next two sessions, which will address practical applications of holiness for both women and men.

Scripture References

Primary Scriptures

* 1 Peter 1:15–16

* Romans 8

* 2 Corinthians 6

Additional References

* Acts 6

* Revelation 2

* Hebrews 12

* 1 Thessalonians 5

* Romans 6–8

* Romans 12

* 2 Corinthians 7

* Ephesians 2

* James 2

Key Takeaways

* Holiness means being set apart for God. True holiness isn’t simply avoiding sin—it’s dedicating ourselves completely to Him.

* Church history warns against abandoning holiness. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans shows that neglecting holiness eventually weakens other foundational truths.

* Sanctification is a lifelong process. Believers have been justified, are being sanctified, and will one day be glorified.

* Every believer experiences the battle between flesh and Spirit. Victory comes through renewing the mind and yielding to the Holy Spirit.

* Works are the evidence of genuine faith. Outward holiness doesn’t produce salvation—it demonstrates the inward transformation Christ has already accomplished.

* Future lessons will address practical applications for women (adornment, apparel, attitude) and men (appetite, anger, apathy).

Application

Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart, renew your mind through Scripture, and pursue practical holiness in every area of life. Rather than viewing holiness as legalism, see it as a joyful response to God’s holiness and an effective witness to a watching world.

Closing Prayer

The service concluded with prayer, asking God to strengthen every believer’s identity in Christ, provide wisdom against the enemy’s attacks, and deepen the congregation’s understanding as they pursue lives that are holy and pleasing to Him.

And So Will I Go | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 11 AM

And So Will I Go

Big Idea: God positions ordinary people for extraordinary moments. Our responsibility is to step forward in faith, trusting Him no matter the cost.

Overview

Drawing from the powerful story of Esther, this message reveals how God often uses loss, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances to prepare His people for greater purpose. Esther, an orphan who became queen, was faced with an impossible choice that required extraordinary courage. Her response—“And so will I go… and if I perish, I perish”—became a declaration of complete surrender to God’s will.

Just as Esther was positioned “for such a time as this,” every believer has been strategically placed by God for kingdom purpose. This message challenges listeners to move beyond fear and hesitation into courageous obedience by repenting, being baptized in Jesus’ name, receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, and embracing God’s calling on their lives.

Key Scriptures

• ​ Esther 4:13–16 — God positions His people “for such a time as this.”
• ​ Acts 2:37–39 — God’s plan of salvation: repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
• ​ Acts 19:1–6 — Believers baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Message Highlights

• ​ Preparation Often Looks Like Loss:

God used Esther’s painful beginnings to prepare her for a greater purpose. He doesn’t require perfect circumstances—He perfects people through them.

• ​ Pressure Reveals Purpose:

Esther’s greatest trial became her greatest opportunity. Like Esther, every believer will face moments that require courageous obedience despite uncertainty.

• ​ Purpose Demands Action:

Esther responded with prayer, fasting, and bold faith. Today, God still calls His church to respond through prayer, obedience, and surrender. The biblical response includes repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit as demonstrated throughout the Book of Acts.

During this service, God confirmed His Word as several people received the Holy Spirit and others were baptized.

Application

God has placed you where you are for a reason. Your current season is not an accident—it is an opportunity for kingdom impact.

• ​ Trust God’s purpose even when the path is unclear.
• ​ Commit yourself to prayer and fasting as you seek His direction.
• ​ Obey God’s Word through repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
• ​ Faithfully serve where God has positioned you and encourage others with your testimony.

Reflection Questions

• ​ What area of loss or disappointment could God be using to prepare you?
• ​ Where is God calling you to choose faith over fear?
• ​ What is your personal “And so will I go” step of obedience?
• ​ How does Acts 2:38 shape your understanding of biblical salvation?
• ​ Who could be encouraged by hearing what God is doing in your life?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for transforming our broken beginnings into divine preparation. Give us the courage of Esther—to pray, to fast, and to obey You even when the outcome is uncertain. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, strengthen our faith, and use our lives to bring hope, deliverance, and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Exploits | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 10:30 AM

Big Idea: When we truly know our God, His character shapes our character and empowers us to accomplish great works for Him.

Overview

Reporting on lessons gleaned from the recent Iowa District Convention, Brother Jack Cunningham centered this message on Daniel 11:32: “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” He outlined five practical principles that mark believers who move from merely attending church to living a life that makes a visible Kingdom impact. Each principle flows from Scripture and calls Christians to deeper intimacy with Christ—an intimacy that produces sacrificial love, ready obedience, humble submission, self-denial, and unwavering commitment to truth.

Key Scriptures

• ​Daniel 11:32 — The people who know their God will be strong and do exploits.
• ​John 13:34-35 — The distinguishing mark of Christ’s disciples is love.
• ​John 10:27 — Jesus’ sheep hear His voice and follow Him.
• ​Luke 9:23 — Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Christ.
• ​Matthew 5:44 — Love your enemies.
• ​Hebrews 13:7 — Godly leaders watch for our souls.
• ​Ephesians 6:14 — Gird your loins with truth.

Main Points

- 1 - Love Like He Loves

• ​Jesus gave a new commandment: love one another as He loved us.
• ​True exploits begin when we stop deciding who deserves our love and simply love as Christ loves—even our enemies.

- 2 - Be Obedient to His Voice

• ​“My sheep hear My voice… and they follow Me.”
• ​Obedience often comes before understanding, but consistently listening to God builds a history of trust.
• ​Believers who impact their world cultivate daily conversation with God rather than occasional visits.

- 3 - Submit to the Spiritual Authority God Places

Over Us

• ​Hebrews reminds us that spiritual leaders watch for our souls.
• ​We cannot expect others to follow us if we refuse to follow the authority God has placed in our lives.

- 4 - Deny Ourselves for His Purpose

• ​Jesus calls every disciple to take up their cross daily.
• ​The question shifts from “What do I want?” to “What brings God glory?”

- 5 - Gird Your Loins with Truth

• ​Truth is the belt that holds every other piece of spiritual armor together.
• ​God’s people must know, believe, and live His truth, remaining steadfast regardless of cultural pressure or personal emotion.

Application

The call of this message is to grow in intimate knowledge of God so that His love, voice, authority, purpose, and truth direct every area of our lives, leading to exploits that glorify Him.

Head: Understand that biblical “knowing” is relational, not merely informational. Strength and exploits flow from relationship with God.

Heart: Develop a desire to love sacrificially and trust God’s leading, even when obedience costs comfort or convenience.

Hands:

• ​Practice one intentional act of Christ-like love toward someone who is difficult to love.
• ​Schedule daily time to listen for God’s voice and respond in obedience.
• ​Identify one area where you need to submit to God or to godly spiritual leadership.
• ​Memorize a Scripture that anchors you in truth when culture pressures you to compromise.

May this message encourage you to know God more deeply, walk more closely with Him, and experience the strength that comes from relationship with Christ—a strength that empowers believers to do exploits for His Kingdom.

World Shakers

Bro. Dawson Terry

7 PM | Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Standing Firm in the Fire

Big Idea: When believers refuse to bow to the idols of this world, God steps into the fire with them, delivers them, and uses their faithfulness as a witness that can impact an entire culture.

Drawing from Daniel 3, this message reminds us that every generation faces pressure to worship something other than the one true God. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, Christians today are called to stand firm against the influences of culture, media, and public opinion. Their unwavering faith brought God’s presence into the furnace, transformed a king’s heart, and became a testimony to an entire nation.

Key Scriptures:

* Daniel 3

* 2 Timothy 3:12

* 1 Corinthians 15:57

* Mark 16

Highlights from the Message:

* The world still creates modern-day idols that compete for our worship.

* True faith stands firm, even when obedience comes at a cost.

* God doesn’t always keep us out of the fire—but He promises to be with us in it.

* Our greatest trials often become our greatest testimonies.

* Revival requires action. Waiting for the “perfect time” often becomes spiritual complacency.

* Every believer has a unique calling to share the gospel and make an eternal impact.

Application:

* Examine the influences in your life and remove anything drawing your heart away from God.

* Have the gospel conversation you’ve been putting off.

* Strengthen your faith through consistent prayer, fasting, and Bible reading.

* Trust that God is able to deliver—and even when the fire comes, He will never leave you.

No matter how intense the furnace may seem, Jesus is still the Fourth Man in the fire. Stand boldly, trust Him completely, and let your life become a testimony that points others to the King of kings.

The Acts 29 Church

Bro. Mitchel Terry

Sunday, July 12, 2026

BIG IDEA

The Book of Acts did not end in chapter 28—God still empowers His people today with the same Spirit, authority, and power.

OVERVIEW

Beginning with Acts 1:8, the message reminds us that Jesus’ mission continues through believers filled with the Holy Spirit. We are an “Acts 29 Church”—living beyond the printed pages by preaching and demonstrating the Kingdom of God inside and outside the church walls.

The power of the Holy Ghost is dunamis—explosive power. Like dynamite, the Spirit shakes, shifts, and removes whatever resists the growth of God’s Word in our lives. When believers walk in faith and obedience, God works with them and confirms His Word through signs, healing, deliverance, and spiritual freedom.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• ​Acts 1:8 — The Holy Ghost gives believers power to become witnesses throughout the world.
• ​Hebrews 12:26–29 — God shakes what can be shaken so His unshakable Kingdom remains.
• ​Mark 16:20 — The Lord works with His people and confirms His Word with signs.
• ​John 14:27 — The peace of Jesus replaces fear and inner turmoil.

MAIN POINTS

1. ​WE ARE LIVING IN ACTS 29

The Book of Acts ends without an “amen” because the work continues through us. The Kingdom is not limited to buildings, services, or organizations—it advances wherever Spirit-filled believers obey God.

1. ​SPIRIT POWER IS EXPLOSIVE

The Holy Ghost produces the power necessary to move obstacles and transform lives. Like a seed breaking through the soil, God’s Word creates pressure that forces circumstances to shift. God’s shaking is not meant to destroy us but to remove what cannot remain and reveal what is eternal.

1. ​DEVELOP A KINGDOM-EVERYWHERE MINDSET

A church-only mindset says, “Come to church and receive prayer.” A Kingdom mindset says, “Pray for the sick wherever you find them.” Jesus preached the Kingdom and expects His Church to demonstrate it everywhere, every day.

1. ​GOD STILL CONFIRMS HIS WORD

The same God who worked miracles throughout Acts is still healing, delivering, restoring, and setting people free. The gifts of the Spirit are manifestations available to believers for the benefit of others.

1. ​EXPECT, SPEAK, AND STEP OUT

Faith grows when we declare, “God is with us.” Fear, doubt, hidden struggles, and distractions must be surrendered so faith can operate freely. God meets expectation when His people believe and respond.

APPLICATION

HEAD — Understand that the same Spirit who filled the first believers lives in you.

HEART — Allow the peace of Jesus to replace anxiety, shame, fear, and hidden struggles.

HANDS —

• ​Pray for someone outside church this week.
• ​Share a testimony of what God has done.
• ​Remove distractions that feed doubt and replace them with prayer and Scripture.

REFLECTION

• ​Where do I see the unfinished pages of Acts being written around me?
• ​How can I move from a church-only mindset to a Kingdom-everywhere mindset?
• ​Whom is God prompting me to pray for or witness to today?

PRAYER

Father, thank You that Your Kingdom is unshakable and Your Spirit is still being poured out. Shake everything in us that cannot remain and fill us with holy boldness. Let signs, wonders, healing, and freedom follow as we proclaim Jesus everywhere. May our lives write new lines in the continuing story of Acts 29. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

“The Internal Change”

Bro. Xavier Mendoza

07/12/2026

Notes from Sunday Youth Exhortation

Big Idea:

You can make the outside look polished. You can look like you worship, dress the part, and appear to have everything together—but genuine transformation begins within. What truly matters is whether Jesus has changed the heart.

Opening Moments

Despite arriving exhausted after a late-night drive and getting only a few hours of sleep before work, the 17-year-old speaker declared:

“I came to worship the Lord today.”

His words reflected a commitment to worship regardless of exhaustion, inconvenience, or circumstances.

The Internal Change

The speaker compared outward Christianity to a beautifully wrapped present.

A gift may look flawless on the outside, but the wrapping does not determine what is inside. In the same way, someone can look spiritual, worship, say the right things, and appear committed—but outward appearance cannot replace inward transformation.

“You can make the outside look all cute … but what truly matters is what’s inside the present.”

Real change is more than improving the wrapping. Jesus desires to transform the heart.

Priorities & Surrender

While balancing school, work, church, and other responsibilities, the speaker shared his decision to step away from competitive wrestling because it had become a weight on his heart.

A camp message titled “I Am Obsessed” challenged him to surrender anything he had placed above Jesus.

Sometimes following Jesus requires letting go—not only of sinful things, but also of good things that begin competing with wholehearted devotion to Him.

Everyday Opportunities to Share Jesus

While working at Fairway grocery store, the speaker helped a woman locate an item and told her, “God bless you.”

She responded:

“I haven’t heard a young man say ‘God bless you’ in over 20 years.”

During another encounter, he learned that a customer was battling lung cancer. Although he initially walked away, conviction led him to turn around and pray with the man. During the prayer, the customer experienced the presence of God.

Ordinary places—stores, schools, workplaces, and parking lots—can become places of ministry when we respond to the Holy Spirit.

Consistent Christianity

During a conversation with his sociology teacher, the speaker declared:

“I’m the same at church and outside of it.”

True internal change produces consistency. Our faith should not be limited to church services. We should be the same person at school, work, home, and church.

The speaker also emphasized prayer, Bible reading, accountability, and godly friendships. Referencing Nathan and Tariq, he shared the importance of having people who encourage spiritual growth because “iron sharpens iron.”

Scriptures Referenced

Colossians 3:9–10 — Put off the old self and put on the new.

Hebrews 11:6 — Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Matthew 5:16 — Let your light shine before others.

Key Takeaways

* Outward appearance cannot replace inward transformation.

* Internal change produces a visible “Jesus glow.”

* Everyday places can become opportunities for ministry.

* Responding to conviction can lead others into an encounter with God.

* Sometimes good things must be surrendered when they interfere with devotion to Jesus.

* Genuine Christianity produces consistency in every environment.

* Prayer, Scripture, accountability, and godly friendships help sustain spiritual growth.

* Personal choices influence the spiritual health of the entire church and youth group.

Closing Challenge

Christianity is more than looking the part. You can polish the outside and perfect the wrapping—but genuine transformation is revealed by what Jesus has changed within.

“Have you been internally changed—or is it just the outside?”

Beyond Repair

Bro. Kent Blad

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 - 7 PM

Is anyone truly beyond repair? In this powerful message, we discover that Jesus specializes in restoring lives others have written off.

Using the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4, this sermon reminds us that no past is too broken, no failure too great, and no soul beyond the reach of God’s grace. Just as a repair shop owner saw value in what others threw away, Jesus sees hope where the world sees hopelessness. He offers the “living water” that satisfies every thirsty soul and transforms shame into testimony.

You’ll be challenged to:

* See people through the eyes of Jesus.

* Reject the lie that you’ve gone too far.

* Respond to God’s call through repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

* Become a voice of hope to someone who feels forgotten.

Key Scriptures:

* John 4:13–14

* John 10

* 2 Peter 3

No matter your past, Jesus is still calling. The Master Restorer is ready to make all things new.

Church Camp Testimonies & Baptism Sunday

Big Idea

This special service celebrated the life-changing impact of church camp as young people shared how God transformed their lives through the infilling of the Holy Ghost, renewed purpose, and deeper commitment to Christ. The congregation also rejoiced in baptisms and celebrated the continuing revival taking place at Landmark.

Overview

The service opened with a call to worship, prayer, and faith for undeniable miracles, healing, and restoration. Leaders reflected on an incredible week of youth and junior camp, emphasizing how God moved powerfully among children and students.

Following worship, the church celebrated Shante Jackson’s baptism in Jesus’ name, rejoicing as another life was surrendered to Christ.

The remainder of the service featured heartfelt testimonies from youth who attended camp. Several shared how God called them to greater commitment, challenged them to put Him first, and gave them a renewed burden for revival. Others testified of receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, experiencing God’s peace, overcoming fear, finding healing from emotional struggles, and discovering a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Students spoke about returning home with a passion to reach their schools, serve in ministry, and remain faithful to God’s calling. One testimony highlighted God’s direction away from personal ambitions toward His greater purpose, while another emphasized learning consistency, patience, and keeping Christ first in every area of life.

The congregation then celebrated Noah Medina, who testified about receiving the Holy Ghost at camp before being baptized in Jesus’ name during the service.

Extended worship followed as the church prayed over families, addictions, depression, fear, sickness, and every spiritual battle, declaring the authority found in the name of Jesus. The service concluded with additional testimonies from junior campers describing how even young children experienced the presence of God and received the Holy Ghost.

Before dismissal, the church celebrated even more victories, including reports that Shante received the Holy Ghost during the service and Tyreek also received the Holy Ghost, providing a fitting conclusion to a day centered on revival and God’s transforming power.

Key Highlights

* Powerful reports from Youth Camp and Junior Camp

* Multiple testimonies of lives transformed by the Holy Ghost

* Students challenged to pursue God’s calling and live consistently for Christ

* Shante Jackson baptized in Jesus’ name

* Noah Medina testified and was baptized in Jesus’ name after receiving the Holy Ghost at camp

* Additional reports of Shante and Tyreek receiving the Holy Ghost

* Corporate worship focused on healing, freedom, revival, and the power of the name of Jesus

* Celebration of the next generation’s commitment to living for God