In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share one of my favorite stories from the book of Acts—a challenge to every believer to “get off the porch” and follow the Holy Spirit into unexpected places. From Philip’s revival in Samaria to his lonely walk down a desert road, we see how God sometimes moves us from moments of great success into situations that make no sense at the time—because the miracle is waiting at the end of the road. I also tell a personal story from my early ministry days in Mexico, when I thought I knew where God was sending me, only to hear Him clearly say, “Go home.” This message will encourage you to obey first, trust God’s plan, and step into the adventure He has for you.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

When the Holy Spirit fills your life, fear has to go. In Acts 4, Peter and John didn’t shrink back—they stood before the Sanhedrin with courage, prayed for even greater boldness, and lived with open-handed generosity. That’s the life I believe God is calling us to live. In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share how bold faith changes the atmosphere—whether it’s a college student witnessing to a Muslim colonel in Nigeria or a believer releasing possessions for God’s glory. I’m inviting you to pray for the Spirit to shake your life free from fear, fill you with courage, and release you into the joy of generous living.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

Dr. Mark Rutland shares how to move beyond theoretical Christianity into Spirit-filled living. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he shows how bitterness and gossip grieve the Holy Spirit—and how real faith is lived out through grace, forgiveness, and healing.

In this powerful nine-part series on The Leader’s Notebook with Dr. Mark Rutland, we explore real life in the Holy Spirit—not as a theological concept but as a practical way of living. Dr. Rutland dives into what it means to be Spirit-filled in everyday life: in how we think, speak, relate, and lead. Spirit-filled Christianity is not reserved for a platform or a moment—it’s the transforming power of Christ working through His people in every context. These episodes will inspire you to walk in healing, power, and boldness, and to live the Spirit-filled life you were meant for. This message focuses on the Spirit-filled Church as a Jesus community.

This powerful nine-part series explores real life in the Holy Spirit — not as a theological concept but as a practical way of living. Dr. Mark Rutland dives into what it means to be Spirit-filled in everyday life: in how we think, speak, relate, and lead. Spirit-filled Christianity is not reserved for a platform or a moment—it’s the transforming power of Christ working through His people in every context. These episodes will inspire you to walk in healing, power, and boldness, and to live the Spirit-filled life you were meant for. In this opening message, Dr. Rutland teaches that healing is not just something Jesus does — it’s something that flows from Him into His people. A Spirit-filled church is a healing community, and healing is a mark of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

In this powerful sermon, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks Joshua’s command to “sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you,” showing how every new step in life and ministry requires us to clean out old mindsets, leave behind the comfort of the familiar, and boldly trust God for the miraculous. Through personal stories and vivid examples, Dr. Rutland challenges us to stop settling for spiritual survival — just living off yesterday’s manna — and instead wade out in faith, believing that God’s presence goes before us and that He still delights to do wonders among His people.

In the final part of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the spiritual and national confusion that marked Israel’s darkest days. From Micah’s household idols to the horrifying story of a Levite and his concubine, these chapters reveal a people who had lost their distinct identity as God’s own. Yet even amid chaos and civil war, God’s plan was still unfolding—leading through Ruth and Boaz to David, and ultimately to Jesus. There may have been no king in Israel, but there was always a King in Heaven.

In part four of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland returns to dive deeper into Gideon’s story—his famous fleece, and the gold ephod that became an idol. Dr. Rutland also unpacks the tragic vow of Jephthah and the flawed strength of Samson, reminding us that even in the chaos of Israel’s judges, God remained the God of mercy, grace, and supernatural victory.

In part three of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland returns to highlight two of the most well-known judges in Israel’s history: Deborah and Gideon. From a prophetic leader whose wisdom was as sharp as it was sweet, to a reluctant warrior called to tear down idols and lead a shrinking army to victory, their stories reveal God’s power at work through surprising people and unconventional strategies.

In part two of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland explores Israel’s first four judges—Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah. One was empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, one was left-handed, one fought with an ox goad, and one was a woman. Their stories remind us that God uses unexpected people to do unforgettable things.