There are many different reasons as to why we experience storms. Often times, we're struggling because of sin...because of something WE have done. Other times, life's storms are used to teach us a lesson. You see, in this world today, we're too independent. We have forgotten our NEED for God. However, when we're faced with a storm...that's when we TRULY learn what it means to lean on God and trust in HIS plan for our lives. Pastor Mark will share with us today that God DOES care. It's not His desire to see you struggle. He wants to see you learn and grow. He wants you to have victory over life's storms.

In this life, we'll all experience ups and downs...times of trial and times of heartache. Both believers and non-believers alike...have to endure such times. NO ONE is exempt from the storms in life. But for those of us who have a relationship with the Creator...those who love Him and are the called according to HIS purpose...THEY can have HOPE even during life's storms. You see, our Heavenly Father has made many great promises to His children. And one of those promises, is that He'll never leave or forsake us. The Scriptures teach us that He is our ever-present help...in time of need.

When you pray the prayer of salvation...when you accept Jesus as your Savior...that's just the beginning of your walk with God. In today's lesson, Pastor Mark will remind us that this walk is LIFE-LONG. We are to be in a state of GROWTH and MATURATION...until the day we breathe our last. Understand that God LOVES us and wants GREAT THINGS for us. He wants to teach us. He wants to have a close and intimate relationship with His children. We should desire to learn more about His character and nature. We should want to be more and more like His SON. But none of this can be accomplished without His grace.

Light exposes the darkness. This is both true in science AND spirituality. Pastor Mark will remind us today that it's the light of God's Word that reveals the dark and evil deeds of the enemy. And it's ALSO the light of the Father working in and through us...that should draw OTHERS to the truth. So the question to ask yourself today is: 'Is MY light shining?' 'Am I living in such a way that causes OTHERS to see the work of God's grace in my life?' As believers, that should be our heart's desire. We should WANT to be a shining beacon of truth. Our lives should shine so that our Heavenly Father would be glorified.

In the world of Christianity today, there are false teachers who spread lies about God and His Word. They make false and flowery statements in an effort to add members to their church. They often play on people's emotions...or they promise them happy, healthy and prosperous lives...if they accept Jesus as their Savior. But that's not exactly SCRIPTURAL. Understand that there ARE wonderful promises for the children of God. However, we are ALSO told that we will experience persecution. We're told that even as believers, we'll experience times of trial and hardship. No one is exempt from these things. It's all a part of living in a fallen world.

What does a REAL Christian...a true believer in the God of the Bible LOOK like? Do they have a certain physical appearance? Do they dress a specific way? Do they have a particular way of talking? Well in today's message, Pastor Mark will answer these questions. We'll quickly learn that being a Christian...has very little to do with the EXternal. It has a LOT to do with the INternal. You see when you become a believer, there's a change that takes place on the INSIDE. You become a new creation. A process of restoration and renewal takes place. God's grace begins to work in and through you. THEN...you'll begin to bear FRUIT.

How can we attain TRUE unity? How can we achieve ONENESS? Well, we can compromise and hit a pseudo version of the two, but that won't last for long. So now what do we do? How can we truly be ONE with our spouse...or even with the body of Christ? Well, the only REAL way...is to be united in the truth of God's Word. When you use the Scriptures as the standard for living...there's no wiggle-room. God has given us clear instructions for life...you can find it from Genesis to Revelation. And He's given each of His children His Spirit. And as we seek MORE truth...the Spirit will be faithful to reveal it TO us.

You and I, as brothers and sisters, are a part of the body of Messiah. Jesus...is our Head. Now, if we decide to do things on our own...in our own understanding...not following after the plan of our Head...what do you think will happen? What if YOU want to go left and I want to go right? And what if NEITHER of those directions are in the plan that JESUS has for us? Sounds confusing, doesn't it? Well sadly, that's how the body tries to operate at times. We all have our own ideas of what ministry is supposed to look like. We all have our skewed ideas of right and wrong. And the ONLY way we will EVER find unity...is by submitting to the TRUTH of God's Word.

In today's message, we'll learn about the training of the twelve disciples. Pastor Mark will share with us that WE are ALSO disciples. We are in a constant process of training, learning and growing. And while we're doing so...we're to be about our Father's business. We need to be submitted to God...allowing His grace to empower us to obey. And it's the reflection of that grace in our lives that draws the lost to the truth. It should be our DESIRE that they SEE the power of God at work IN US. Don't you want to bring God GLORY? Don't you want others to know how wonderful, mighty and LOVING He is? Well, one of the best ways to do that...is to share it through our deeds.

For years now people have been asking the question: 'What Would Jesus Do?' It's ALMOST become cliché...just something you say. But do we actually consider that when we're about to make a decision? Well in today's message, we will. You see, Jesus not only came to this earth to take our place...to make a way for us to be saved. He ALSO came to set an example for us. He wanted to show us what it looks like to live according to His Father's Word. And we're to do as HE did. Sure, we won't do it perfectly, but do you WANT to? Does your heart DESIRE to DO what Jesus DID? Do you want to walk in a way that's pleasing to Him?