1We read in Matthew that we are not to fear those who can kill the body

2but cannot kill the soul. Rather, we are to fear the ONE who can

3destroy both soul and body in Hell. You see, as we live our lives for the

4Lord and as we share His Good News with others, we WILL experience

5persecution. And while its never easy, we know that ultimately, God is

6in control. He will never leave or forsake us. Believer! We KNOW who

7wins in the end! Pastor Mark encourages us to share openly and boldly

8with others. For our eternal destiny is in the hands of the Lord and not

9man. Finally, we must all look to the end of the race where God rewards

10those who diligently follow His Ways. He tells us that whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Satan is always at work! In fact, as long as we are on this earth, spiritual warfare will be a constant reality. There seems to be no end to his devices in trying to cause Christians to fail. In today’s message, Pastor Mark reminds us of one of his greatest tools that he has in his arsenal – discouragement! Satan loves to use discouragement to try to defeat Christians. Are you aware of his devices? Are you guarding your heart against his schemes? Believer, arm yourself with the Word of God, and defeat the enemy by reminding yourself of who you are in Christ and what He has done for you!

The name of Jesus changes everything! Why is it that you can talk about almost anything else related to church or religion, but if you mention the name of Jesus, people get uncomfortable? In today’s message, Pastor Mark talks about what makes the name of Jesus so “volatile.” He quotes Acts 4:12, “...for there is no other name under Heaven, given among men, by which we must be saved!” What makes the name of Jesus so divisive is the exclusivity attached to His name. It’s one thing to talk about going to Heaven. But, when you say that Jesus is the ONLY way to get to Heaven, that changes everything!

When picturing ministry in our mind, we might often think of going to far off countries or selling everything we own to travel the world. In some cases this might actually happen, but it's not very often that such large callings take place. Ministry can come in many shapes and sizes, but there's one requirement that's most important of all. Availability. In today's edition of Lessons for Living, Pastor Mark teaches us the importance of making ourselves available to God's call to ministry. In our study, we learn that the only real excuse we might have is simply because we didn't make ourselves available to ministry whether big or small.

Many of us would be rather uncomfortable if we were given an important task without receiving any training or knowledge on how to do so. For many of us, the idea of being called to ministry is an intimidating responsibility that we often shy away from. However, in today's message, Pastor Mark encourages us by teaching us how God provides everything we need to answer His call to ministry. In our study, we learn that as disciples of Christ, each of us are called to further God's Kingdom through ministry and sharing the Gospel with others.

One of the common misconceptions regarding Christianity is that all one needs to do to become a Christian, is to simply say they're a Christian. Without reading God's Word, it's understandable how one can believe that becoming a Christian is an “event” rather than a change. In today's edition of Lessons for Living, Pastor Mark teaches us the true definition of becoming a follower of Christ. In our study, we learn how the Christian life is rooted in discipleship and discipline which focuses on continually learning how to become more like Christ.

With the constant flow of media and social movements it can be incredibly difficult to sort through it all with discernment. As our political leaders and social movement advocates progress, there seems to be a steady influx of confusion in regards to absolute truth. In today's edition of Lessons for Living, Pastor Mark uses several examples to demonstrate the repercussions of moving towards a morally relativistic society. In our study, we learn that the one true source for guidance and absolute truth can come from none other than the written Word of God.

Among the many titles that Christ has in both the Old and New Testament, “Good Shepherd” is perhaps the one we're most familiar with. Just like sheep, we as humans are prone to wander and are in great need of guidance and direction, which is exactly what Christ offers. In today's edition of Lessons for Living, Pastor Mark emphasizes the importance of listening and following the voice of our Good Shepherd. In our study, we learn that in order for us to continually grow and to avoid unnecessary trials, following the lead of Christ is our greatest path.

In both the Old and New Testament, the Bible often refers to people as sheep. The book of Isaiah says that “all we like sheep, have gone astray” while the Gospels teach that Christ is The Shepherd that guides us. In today's message, Pastor Mark uses multiple references in The Bible to expand upon this “sheep and shepherd” metaphor. In our study, we'll learn that as disciples of Christ, not only do we need shepherding, but we also take on the role of shepherd as well. Whether you're a parent, manager, or head of a household, Pastor Mark will teach you how to better fulfill your God appointed role.

Living a life of faith is met with multiple challenges that come from many different directions. Not only do we struggle with our own internal faith, but we're also challenged by the doubt, ridicule, and suspicion of others. As much as we'd like to praise God for the miraculous or ask Him for such, we often get deterred by the mockery of others. In today's edition of Lessons for Living, Pastor Mark encourages us to press forward in our faith, and to ignore the ridicule of others. Today we learn that no matter how much discouragement we might face, our continual faith is a witness to others.