Pentecost 101: Obeying the Simple Gospel (Lesson 2) | Pastor Nathan PetersonSunday, May 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM

Obeying the Simple Gospel

This second lesson of Pentecost 101 walks through the biblical plan of salvation: repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, and receive the Holy Ghost. Pastor Nathan Peterson shows how each step corresponds to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection—the very heart of the gospel. While believing the gospel is essential, Scripture teaches that we must also obey it. This lesson is designed to encourage personal study and a personal response to God’s Word.

Scripture References:Acts 2:4; Romans 8:11; Acts 4:12; Revelation 21:8; Acts 10:45–46; Acts 19:6; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 15; Romans 6:4; Mark 16:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8.

Main Points

1. ​ The Simple Gospel: Death, Burial, and Resurrection

1 Corinthians 15 defines the gospel as Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

We must first understand the gospel before we can respond to it.

• ​2. Belief Alone Is Not Enough
• ​Revelation 21:8 warns of judgment for unbelief.

2 Thessalonians 1:8 teaches that those who do not obey the gospel will face judgment.

• ​Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
• ​Many acknowledge the gospel but never obey it. Scripture calls for both faith and obedience.
• ​3. How We Obey the Gospel
• ​Death → Repentance: Turning away from sin with genuine sorrow and a changed life.

Burial → Baptism: Romans 6:4 connects baptism to burial with Christ. Biblical baptism is by full immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.

• ​Resurrection → Receiving the Holy Ghost: Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45–46, and Acts 19:6 show believers speaking in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost. Romans 8:11 declares that the same Spirit that raised Christ will also give life to us.
• ​4. Why Biblical Obedience Matters
• ​Scripture consistently presents baptism in Jesus’ name rather than sprinkling or baptism using titles alone.

Personal repentance and faith precede baptism.

• ​Stopping at mental belief falls short of the Spirit-filled life God intends.
• ​Key Truths
• ​The gospel’s three pillars—death, burial, and resurrection—are personally experienced through repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Biblical baptism is by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.

• ​Speaking in tongues is presented throughout Acts as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
• ​Salvation is simple enough for anyone to understand, yet serious enough to require an intentional response.
• ​Response
• ​Examine your life in light of the gospel.

Repent of sin and turn wholeheartedly toward God.

• ​Be baptized in Jesus’ name if you have not already done so.
• ​Seek the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
• ​Continue studying the Scriptures to deepen your understanding of God’s plan of salvation.

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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.

Conviction: Weighted By Truth | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 7 PM

Walking in Conviction That Can Be Seen

Scripture References

Primary: Proverbs 11:3; James 2:14–21; Matthew 5

Additional: Matthew 6; Romans 1; Romans 6:4; Psalm 101

Overview

Conviction is more than an inward feeling—it is truth lived out. Pastor Nathan Peterson taught that authentic faith moves beyond private belief into visible obedience. As the Holy Spirit searches our hearts, He continually calls us beyond comfort, self-righteousness, and complacency, shaping lives that reflect Christ to the world.

Main Points

Integrity Begins with Honesty (Proverbs 11:3)

• ​Integrity starts with being honest with yourself and God.
• ​Conviction requires admitting faults instead of hiding them.
• ​Transparency is a mark of spiritual maturity.

Faith Must Be Seen (James 2:14–21)

• ​Faith without action is dead.
• ​Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac demonstrated genuine faith.
• ​Ask yourself daily: Am I living my faith or merely agreeing with it?

Be Salt and Light (Matthew 5)

• ​Believers are called to visibly influence the world.
• ​Hidden faith cannot fulfill God’s purpose.
• ​Public witness is strengthened through private devotion.

Conviction Is Built in Secret (Matthew 6)

• ​Giving, praying, and fasting should be done for God, not recognition.
• ​Consistent private devotion reveals genuine conviction.
• ​Daniel’s lifelong prayer life prepared him before the lions’ den.

Continual Transformation (Romans 1; Romans 6:4)

• ​Present yourself as a living sacrifice.
• ​Baptism into Christ leads to newness of life.
• ​The Holy Spirit continually calls believers to deeper conviction and holiness.

Guard Your Influences (Psalm 101)

• ​David refused to embrace wickedness.
• ​The influences you tolerate will eventually shape your life.
• ​Remove anything that weakens your walk with God.

Key Truths

• ​Conviction begins with honest self-examination.
• ​Genuine faith always produces obedient action.
• ​Private devotion strengthens public testimony.
• ​Spiritual growth is a lifelong pursuit.
• ​Guarding your influences protects your relationship with God.

Response

• ​Examine your heart and confess areas where you’ve resisted truth.
• ​Act on a conviction by serving, making restitution, or meeting a need.
• ​Commit to consistent private prayer.
• ​Remove influences that dull your spiritual sensitivity.
• ​Live in a way that encourages others to follow Christ.

Closing

Pastor Peterson concluded by encouraging the church to continually say “yes” to the Spirit. Conviction may cost comfort, but it produces freedom, joy, and a powerful witness.

“Follow Me… I’m perfecting you. Don’t drop conviction off—come closer.”

Prayer

The church prayed for God to reveal hidden areas of the heart, strengthen them to obey His voice, and make every believer a shining light in their community.

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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.

Pentecost 101: Why Church Matters (Lesson 1) | Pastor Nathan Peterson

Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 10:30 AM

Big Idea: Jesus builds, owns, and sustains His Church, calling us to live as His people everywhere and to gather faithfully for our mutual growth.

In Lesson 1 of the Pentecost 101 series, Pastor Nathan Peterson explains why the Church matters. Jesus declared in Matthew 16 that He would build His Church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. The Church is not a building—it is God’s people, called out to represent Him everywhere they go. While believers are the Church every day of the week, Scripture also commands us to gather together regularly for worship, prayer, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

Key Scriptures

• ​Matthew 16
• ​Hebrews 10:25
• ​Acts 12:5

Message Highlights

Jesus Builds His Church

• ​Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ.
• ​Jesus promised to build and protect His Church.
• ​Our authority and victory come through Him alone.

The Church Is People

• ​“Ecclesia” means “the called-out ones.”
• ​Believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
• ​We carry God’s presence into our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.
• ​Buildings cannot pray, but God’s people can.

Why Gathering Matters

• ​Hebrews 10:25 commands believers not to neglect assembling together.
• ​As Christ’s return draws nearer, gathering becomes even more important.
• ​Livestreams are valuable, but they cannot replace the blessings of worshiping and serving together in person.

Blessings of Faithful Church Attendance

• ​Unity through corporate prayer and worship.
• ​Christ-centered friendships and spiritual family.
• ​Teaching, mentorship, and accountability.
• ​Encouragement, strength, and practical support.
• ​Growth in discipline and Christian living.

Application

• ​Make corporate worship a non-negotiable priority.
• ​Pray boldly wherever you are.
• ​Be intentional about sharing Christ in everyday conversations.
• ​Live as the Church both inside and outside the church building.

Reflection Questions

• ​How does Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16 strengthen your confidence in the Church?
• ​Where can you better live out being “the Church” each day?
• ​What keeps you from consistent in-person attendance?
• ​Which blessing of gathering do you need most right now?
• ​How can you encourage another believer this week?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for building and preserving Your Church. Help us love Your people, remain faithful in gathering together, pray with boldness, and live as Your witnesses wherever we go. Amen.

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.

Conviction: Change Starts Here (Lesson 1) |

Pastor Nathan Peterson

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 7 PM

Cultivating Conviction

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Big Idea: God gives every believer the gift of personal conviction so we can hear His voice, know His truth, and follow Him with confidence.

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Overview

The mid-week gathering focused on “conviction”—the inner persuasion the Holy Spirit plants in us to guide thought, choice, and lifestyle. Without conviction we drift, borrow opinions, and struggle to discern God’s will; with it we walk in clarity and freedom. Conviction is born when truth moves from information to personal persuasion, and it deepens as we surrender, study Scripture, pray, fast, and obey. Though yielding to conviction costs comfort and control, it leads to peace, purpose, and fruitfulness. The message ended with a call to identify where we have resisted God’s prompting and say “yes” again to His leading.

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Key Scripture

• ​Ezekiel 36:26 — God replaces stony hearts with new, responsive hearts.
• ​John 18:36–37 — Jesus came to “bear witness to the truth,” and those of the truth hear His voice.
• ​John 8:31–32 — Continuing in Christ’s word reveals truth, and truth sets us free.
• ​2 Timothy 3:16–17 — Scripture equips believers for every good work through doctrine, reproof, and correction.

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Main Points

1 | Why conviction matters• Conviction is like spiritual GPS; it makes daily obedience simpler and quicker.

• ​Without it we debate decisions, chase other voices, and risk confusion about God’s will.

2 | Truth must become personal• Like a courtroom jury, evidence demands a verdict; conviction means being convinced.

• ​Pilate asked, “What is truth?” but never embraced it. Believers must go further—hear, accept, and obey.

3 | How conviction is formedGod alone gives conviction, yet we cooperate by:

• ​Immersing ourselves in Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16)
• ​Praying and fasting to quiet competing voices
• ​Welcoming the Spirit’s correction rather than resisting it
• ​Story: The speaker once sold Kirby vacuums; sales exploded only after he believed in the product himself—conviction fuels action.

4 | Daily cultivation requires surrender

• ​Faith, not intellect, is the starting point (Heb. 11:6).
• ​Practice meditation on the Word (Josh. 1:8), search the Scriptures like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), worship, and embrace community accountability.
• ​Sports, leisure, peer pressure, and career ambition must never outrank God.

5 | Acting on conviction brings reward and reveals Christ

• ​“Be doers of the word, not hearers only” (James 1).
• ​Obedience may cost popularity, convenience, or control, but God never calls us where He will not defend and provide.
• ​Our outer witness grows from inner work; conviction must shape visible behavior.

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Application

Identify one area where you have hesitated to obey God’s prompting, surrender it today, and trust Him to lead you deeper.

Head — Recognize conviction as God’s truth personalized; study Scripture until persuaded, not merely informed.

Heart — Ask the Spirit to soften any stony place and rekindle passion for His voice above all others.

Hands

Schedule daily time to read and meditate on the Bible until a verse grips you.

Fast or unplug from one influence that dulls your sensitivity to God.

Take one concrete step of obedience you have been delaying.

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Reflection Questions

When have you clearly sensed God’s conviction guiding a choice? What resulted?

Where do competing voices drown out God’s truth in your life?

Which spiritual discipline needs fresh priority for your convictions to deepen?

What specific act of obedience is God prompting you toward right now?

How might stronger personal conviction make you a more compelling witness?

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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.