Lessons for Living (Audio)

You’ve seen those people standing by the side of the road at intersections or entrances to shopping centers. They look pretty bad and are holding signs asking for help. Pastor Mark’s teaching today will focus on people with the supernatural gift of mercy. You’ll hear how these people are more likely to help the person on the side of the road, and how they are God’s gift to the rest of the body. You’ll learn their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and where in the Body of Christ they fit in.

It’s great to do something and to know that you’re not only helping someone but that you’re doing what you believe God made you to do? There’s really no feeling quite like that one. In the same way, when you do something for somebody but your heart’s not in it, the time drags and you can’t wait to be done with that chore. That’s why Pastor Mark’s teaching today will be about finding the gifts God’s gifted you with. You’ll learn that when you do, things will fit like a hand in a glove for you.

If you have a position of authority on your job, how do you handle having someone who might do your job better than you do? Do you feel threatened, try to hold them back, or do you help them to flourish? Your answer might tell what kind of leader you are. Pastor Mark will be teaching today about people with the gift of leadership. He’ll be telling you the kind of character they should have as well as the kind of traits you’ll see in them. You’ll learn how to be a better leader, whether you have the spiritual gift of leadership or not.

It’s tough to work in a place where there’s a lot of backstabbing and resistance to the person in charge. Especially if that person is trying their best, backbiting and bad attitudes make for a crummy work environment. You’ll learn from Pastor Mark’s teaching today, not only what it takes to be a good leader, but also what kind of attitude a follower should be having as they follow. Pastor Mark will share what the Bible says should be the character qualities in the person God’s gifted to be a leader.

Some churches seem to have an overabundance of people who feel called to be in charge. They often have opinions about how everything should be done. But when it comes time to actually do the work they’re suggesting, they’re nowhere to be found. Pastor Mark will be teaching about the gift of leadership today. You’ll learn that this particular gift isn’t necessarily given to the person with the strongest opinion or the biggest mouth. It’s a gift given by God and must be used for the glory of Him alone.

Does God need your money? Ignore the TV preachers – of course, He doesn’t! It’s absurd to think otherwise. The God Who multiplied five fish and two loaves, who led the Israelites through the desert for forty years and their clothes didn’t wear out? Nope, doesn’t need your money. But as Pastor Mark will be teaching today, it’s more your attitude toward money – and God – that God’s concerned with. You’ll hear about the importance of obeying God’s rules about giving of everything you have, not just cash.

You’ve seen or heard them, haven’t you? They come to your door, or they’re on the radio or television. They tell you that you’re their only hope to make their payment to stay on the air. And then you hear one of them try to explain away their purchase of a private jet – “I need it for the ministry!” they say. Well, Pastor Mark will be talking about these manipulators and how someone with the gift of giving is offended by them. You’ll learn what the true heart of giving is, and what true needs are.

People like to complain about churches asking for money. Even those in the church sometimes gripe about what they think is an unbalanced focus on finances. And sure, if you look at the TV ‘preachers’, that seems to be their main interest. Pastor Mark will be teaching about the supernatural gift of giving today. You’ll learn about the Biblical concept of giving. Pastor Mark will show that giving is more than money. You’ll learn more about these special givers and how they benefit the body of Christ in many ways.

As a parent who’s a Christ-follower, you’re trying to keep the spiritual aspect of parenting in mind. But life just gets in the way many times. Work and school and sports and activities are so in your face every day that it’s hard to remember that your kids need spiritual nurturing beyond what happens in the church setting. Pastor Mark will be teaching today about the role that parents have – the important role – of encouraging your children, just like God’s encouraging you to grow in your walk with Him.

Do you like being around positive people? Not the ‘fake it til you make it’ people, but those who genuinely see life in a positive way. It’s good to have someone who can pick you up when you’re feeling less than your best. Pastor Mark will be teaching about those with the gift of exhorting. You’ll find out what their personalities tend to be like, and the qualities that God’s put in them that make them suitable for this role. Pastor Mark will also be showing the areas in the church where they can be useful.