1We read today the parable of the mustard seed. That even though its

2seed is tiny, when it grows, it produces one of the largest garden plants.

3Pastor Mark shows us that this is a picture of our relationship with the

4Father. That all we need is the faith the size of a mustard seed, but with

5a desire to know the Lord and a love for His Truth, that seed will grow.

6And over time, will continue to grow into the blessed life that God

7desires for us. So we are not to overlook the small steps that we take

8forward in our walk with God. We also learn about Yeast and how it

9creates growth...regardless of whether its representing sin or faith. So,

10whatever seeds we sow...we will see its growth...good or bad...and we will have to reap it.

1We often hear the verse, “He who has ears to hear let Him hear what the

2Spirit says to the churches.” But what does it mean? Well today, Pastor

3Mark explains this passage to us. You see, Jesus often spoke in

4parables. And at times, they can seem puzzling, but IF we have a heart

5that desires to know the Truth, then we will be able to (by the Spirit) hear

6what the Lord is saying through these verses. In our flesh, we cannot

7understand the Scriptures, but through His Spirit, He can and WILL

8reveal His Truth. We also discuss the existence of good and evil. The

9”good” being the presence of the Lord. The bad, of course, being Satan

10and his influence. We must be listening for the Lord...ready to hear His voice to withstand evil.

1In today's study we're once again discussing the parable of the soil.

2Pastor Mark is asking the question: What kind of soil (or hearer) are you?

3When you hear the Word of God, does it fall on fertile ground and grow

4or does it sit on top and then blow away when the first gust of wind hits?

5We also look into the three great enemies we see in the Gospel. These

6are: Satan, our own flesh and the cares of this World. We must learn to

7seek the Lord through His Word in order to have victory over these foes.

8Pastor Mark also touches on fruitfulness. We learn from the book of

9John that TRUE disciples produce MUCH fruit and this fruit brings glory

10to our Heavenly Father. So if we hear and obey HIS Word, we will be fruitful!

1Many people today are sold a different version of Christianity than the

2one represented in the Scriptures. They're told that if we accept Jesus

3as our Savior, all our problems will disappear...that life will be rosey and

4we will have no worries. But, God never promised this. In fact, there's a

5cost to follow Jesus...we must be willing to die to ourselves and follow

6Him. However, it will cost MUCH more if you choose to NOT follow after

7The Lord. Today, listen as Pastor Mark explains the parable of the soil.

8He asks the question, what type of soil or what type of HEARER are you?

9If we have ears to hear, then we will recognize the Truth when its

10presented. If we do not, then we can be easily deceived.

1In today's study we discuss parables. According to Pastor Mark, a

2parable is a simple story (often a visual picture) illustrating a spiritual

3principle which may not be apparent to all hearers. We know from the

4reading of the Scriptures that spiritual understanding comes from a

5relationship with the Lord. One cannot fully grasp the Words of the Bible

6without the revelation given by the Holy Spirit. We also discuss some of

7the good deeds that are typically seen in the life of a believer: Godly

8character, Godly works, Godly witnessing, Godly giving and Godly

9praise. We learn that TRUE conversion and fruitfulness depends on

10HOW a person responds to the Holy Word of God.

1In today's study we discuss one of the most important points in the life

2of a believer: OBEDIENCE. You see, we must be very careful to not

3enter into religion. Meaning, we should simply focus on the Word of God

4and walking according to it rather than man's own interpretations, rules

5and regulations. Pastor Mark explains that when we take the council

6of man OVER the spiritual council of God – through His Word – then we

7are entering into dangerous territory. Believer, MAN is not the one who

8forgave you! Man is not the one who delivered you out of a life in Hell!

9So why allow man's religion to dictate how you live? The true sign of a

10believer is someone who confesses, believes and walks in obedience to the Scriptures.

Why do some people refuse to believe the truth of God’s Word? Well, some would say that it’s because they need to see a miracle in order to believe. However, today, Pastor Mark challenges that assumption! He points out scriptures that clearly show that even if people saw miracles – for some people – this would not be enough! Jesus said that if people would not believe the testimony of the Old Testament, they wouldn’t believe even if they saw someone rise from the dead! And we all have seen the powerful witness of God’s creation – yet some still push God’s truth away!

We need to understand that there is a real Satan and he can and does possess people! In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us that we live in a fallen world that is under the control of the evil one. And, unfortunately, he does possess people. This should be a stark warning to those who are not believers in Jesus Christ. However, for the Christian, we can take comfort in the fact that Satan CANNOT possess someone who is a believer because the Holy Spirit indwells him! Are you a follower of Christ? Are you possessed by the Holy Spirit? He is your only guarantee of safety!

What is the sign of a real Christian? Jesus didn’t leave us in doubt. He said, “If anyone loves Me, He will obey my teaching.” Obedience is the ultimate sign that one is a follower of Jesus Christ. In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about the ultimate sign that we are followers of Christ. No one can lay claim to being a Christian who consistently disobeys God’s Word. How about you? Have you accepted Christ? Are you walking with the Savior? Do you have the ultimate sign that you cannot be demon-possessed and that you are on your way to Heaven? In short, are you obeying Jesus Christ?

1There's a fear among people that if they accept the God of the Bible, on

2His terms, through His Son Jesus Christ, that God will automatically

3require them to move to a remote jungle location and begin living and

4ministering to the natives of that land. LAUGH...But, is that really what

5God does? Well, sometimes; yes. But, most of the time God intervenes

6in the lives of people right where they're at. He intends to use you to

7affect this kingdom with the principles of His Kingdom. That means you

8can be about God's will at work, at school, and most importantly, in your

9homes. God is faithful to speak to us as to what He's requiring us to do

10for His will to be accomplished.