November 3, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • 1 Timothy 1:8–10, Hebrews 11:8–12, Genesis 14:18–23, Hebrews 6:13—7:28
Discover the power of righteousness and grace in this inspiring message about Jesus, our eternal High Priest. He has paved the way for a direct relationship with the Father, offering hope and grace that anchors our hearts. No matter how far someone seems, Jesus can reach them, restore them, and build something new. Join us as we dive into the depths of God’s endless priesthood, His unchanging love, and the assurance that we can come to Him directly. Together, let’s embrace our role in the Body of Christ, living and loving as He intended.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give
The Faith of Abraham: The Place of Provision
October 27, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • 1 Corinthians 3:11–15, Genesis 22:1–14, Genesis 1:28, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 11:1–18
Pastor Mark continues our series on Abraham’s faith, covering how he did not only experience God once but chose to believe, trust, and allow his life to be transformed by God’s will, faith, and blessings. This message calls us to shift our perspective—to live not for what we can achieve in our own lifetime but for what God can accomplish through our faith and obedience across generations. True faith leaves a legacy; it doesn’t end with us but continues, finding fulfillment in future generations.
Our only lasting foundation is one built on Christ, and while we can strive to build on our own strength and desires, these efforts fade without His blessing. Instead, as we trust and surrender, God works through our lives in ways that bring us closer to Him. Abraham’s story reveals this truth; from partial obedience to becoming unwavering in faith at age 100, he built a legacy of faith that endures. Abraham’s journey reminds us that living fully by God’s plans—not our own—leads us into a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.
So, what does a life built on Christ look like? It’s a life of faith and trust in His promises, where our greatest experiences are shaped by God’s will. When we stop asking God to bless our plans and instead fully embrace His, we can be confident that He’ll lead us beyond our fears and into His greatest purpose for us.
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October 13, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 3:13–14, Hebrews 11:1–10, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Genesis 12—15, Genesis 1:28
Continuing our Bible Foundations series going through Hebrews 11, Pastor Mark is taking us on a journey to learn from those who walked with and pleased God through faith.
In this overview of Abraham, we explore how God is interested in the seeds of faith you live by, and how they impact future generations.
Just as Abraham was called by God to establish a lineage of righteousness, we are also called to live by faith, passing down a legacy that is on fire for God.
Abraham, despite his mistakes, is a perfect representation of grace and favor. He believed God’s promises, and even in a time of famine, he experienced immense blessing.
God’s favor was so powerful in Abraham’s life that it couldn’t go unnoticed, even by kings. This message reminds us that God’s promises and blessings are more important than our own behavior or decisions. Even when we make mistakes, God still protects and preserves us.
Jesus has positioned us to experience the same blessings and favor that Abraham did, and we have an even greater capacity to believe because we carry the faith of Jesus within us. If you feel like you haven’t fully stepped into God’s will, it may be because God is waiting for you to come to the end of yourself.
To experience God’s blessings, the key is to cultivate a heart of gratitude. When we focus on what He has already blessed us with, our hope and expectation for greater things will rise.
Look at Jesus and His promises, and don’t limit your vision by focusing too much on your current situation. Step outside, look at the stars, and see what God has already done. His plan for your life is greater than you can imagine.
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The Faith of Noah
October 6, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 11:1–7, Genesis 6:1–19, Genesis 7:1–12, Genesis 9:1–17
Pastor Mark continues his series through the Hall of Faith, exploring the remarkable story of Noah, a man who stood firm in his faith despite living in a world consumed by sin and corruption.
Noah wasn't just a builder of the ark—he was also a preacher of righteousness, boldly proclaiming the message of God's goodness and calling people to repentance even as they rejected Him. His life serves as a powerful example of obedience and unwavering faith in the face of immense challenges. Noah built the ark as an act of trust in God's instructions, reminding us that we must live out our faith through action, not just belief.
Noah’s story is also a profound reflection of Jesus and the salvation He brings. The ark represents Christ, the ultimate way of salvation, providing refuge from the flood of sin and destruction. Just as there was only one door into the ark, there is only one way to be saved from the devastation of sin—through Jesus. When Noah and his family entered the ark, God Himself shut the door, symbolizing the complete protection and deliverance that come through faith in Christ. In the same way, when we accept Jesus, we step into His grace, where our past is erased, and we are protected from the enemy’s destruction.
Finally, the covenant God made with Noah, symbolized by the rainbow, is a reminder of His everlasting mercy and kindness. Just as God promised never to destroy the earth by flood again, He promises to pour out His love, mercy, and grace on us through Jesus. This covenant remains true today, and just as Noah found grace in God's eyes, we too have access to His endless kindness and love. This message of hope calls us to seek God with all our hearts, experience His goodness, and live a life fully transformed by His grace. Through Noah’s faith and Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we are invited into a life of righteousness, healing, and intimacy with God, free from the grip of sin and filled with the riches of His mercy.
New Places
September 29, 2024 • Genesis 28:11–21
Benjamin Conway joins us from Tree of Life Church in the UK to explore how God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and into new places to experience His promises.
Moving to new places in life may feel uncomfortable, but that discomfort is the bridge to your destiny. God uses these moments to prepare you for greater things.
The best way to get to where you’re going is by being faithful where you are, trusting that small beginnings will lead to bigger opportunities. Moses and Joseph are examples of how love, faith, and obedience to God’s call will lead you through unfamiliar territories and roles, ultimately fulfilling His plan for your life.
Walking in your destiny requires leaving the familiar behind. If you want to experience new miracles, friendships, and opportunities, you must be willing to go places you’ve never been.
God orders your steps, taking you one step at a time, so don’t be discouraged if the journey takes longer than expected. Trust that He is guiding your path, even when the way forward feels uncertain.
This message reminds us that we are not meant to chase what others have done. You are not a copy; you are a masterpiece created for a unique purpose. God’s plan for your life is unlike anything the world has ever seen before.
Be led by love, not by feelings, and let the glory of God rest on you as you step into new territories and change the world. Get ready for surprises along the way—miracles, promotions, new revenue streams, and deeper relationships are coming. Your destiny is unfolding in ways you’ve never imagined, and it all starts with being faithful in the small beginnings.
Now is the time to walk in your calling and trust that God is leading you to new places filled with His purpose and provision.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give
The Faith of Enoch: Be the Light
September 22, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Hebrews 11:1–6, Genesis 5:21–24, 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Ephesians 1:18–21, Romans 5:17
Pastor Mark continues our journey through the Hall of Faith by looking at the life of Enoch—a man who walked with God and never experienced death.
Enoch’s life serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to truly walk with God and to live by faith. We look at what it means to please God like Enoch did and how we can do that today.
As believers, we are called to reflect Christ in everything we do, but the church has often fallen short. Instead of being the light, we’ve been plagued by envy, strife, and confusion, preventing us from being the true reflection of Jesus.
But the only solution to the darkness in this world is Jesus Himself. Jesus didn’t come to establish a political kingdom; He came to obliterate sin, heal the broken, and reclaim the hearts and lives lost to darkness.
This message explores how we, like Enoch, can walk in a way that pleases God. When we live by faith, we become vessels of Christ’s victory, power, and freedom. Ephesians 1:18-21 reminds us of the immense power available to those who believe—resurrection power living inside of us, ready to be released into the world. There is nothing the enemy can do that Jesus hasn’t already conquered. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in you, and when you walk in faith, you’re not just surviving; you’re reigning in life.
But it’s not enough to simply believe. Faith without works is dead. We can’t claim to live by faith if our lives don’t reflect it. Enoch’s walk with God wasn’t just about his words or beliefs—it was about his daily life. He knew God’s voice, walked in righteousness, and his life became a living testimony. When people look at your life, do they see a reflection of Christ? Or are there areas where you’re holding back, allowing fear and timidity to rule instead of faith?
Romans 5:17 challenges us to reign in life, but reigning isn’t about hiding away and enjoying personal blessings. God hasn’t saved you just for yourself—He saved you to impact the world around you. As children of God, we are called to be resources for the Kingdom, bringing the goodness of God into our families, workplaces, and communities. We are not called to be timid or silent, but bold and courageous in demonstrating God’s love and power.
Faith is not born out of emotions or feelings; it is a decision. A choice to believe God’s promises and to live in a way that reflects that belief. Mark 11:24 reminds us that God desires to fulfill our needs and desires, but His plans extend beyond our personal interests. Walking with God means aligning our hearts with His will and letting His righteousness transform our lives.
Enoch’s story is a powerful example of living by faith. His life pleased God, not because of the length of his days, but because he fulfilled his purpose. Will you allow God to transform you, to make you a vessel for His kingdom? Your walk with God can change not only your life but the world around you. The time is now to step out in faith, reflect the righteousness of Christ, and become an example of His power and love to a world in desperate need.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give
Seeing Past Death
September 15, 2024 • Chad Gonzales • 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10, Hebrews 10:10–14, Colossians 3:1–10, Romans 6:4–10
Chad Gonzales delivers a powerful sermon on our righteousness and position with Christ. Many believers think they need to wait until they get to heaven to experience the fullness of what Jesus offers. But the reality is, we are called to live from a heavenly perspective right now.
Walking by faith isn’t about blindly navigating life; it’s about adopting a new way of seeing, the way Jesus sees. Our union with Christ brings us into alignment with His thoughts, mindset, and perspective, transforming the way we engage with the world and the challenges we face.
When we regard ourselves according to the flesh, we live like dead men. But when we embrace our identity as spirit beings, divinely connected to Christ, we begin to live out the fullness of life that God intends for us. Our life and results are not supposed to change when we transition from earth to heaven; we are meant to live with that same union with Christ now. What we experience with the Father isn’t meant to be different in heaven—it’s meant to be our reality here on earth.
This message unpacks the transformative power of understanding that you are a spirit being. Your connection with Christ is so deep that His thoughts, His perspective, and His mind become your own. This changes everything about how we live, how we think, and how we walk by faith.
If you’ve been wondering why you’re experiencing hell on earth while waiting for heaven, this message will reveal the key to living in the fullness of your union with Christ today. Learn to see yourself the way God sees you and walk in the righteousness you’ve already received through Jesus.
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The Faith of Abel
September 8, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Hebrews 12:22–24, Hebrews 11:1–6, Genesis 4:1–12, Hebrews 9:9–15, Hebrews 10:3–14
We take a journey through the Hall of Faith, starting with Abel who faithfully honored God. From the story of Cain and Abel, we learn that God is not looking for external perfection but for offerings made with faith. Giving in faith invites God's involvement, leading to supernatural results.
The life of faith extends beyond our efforts; God asks us to trust Him for things we can't accomplish on our own. Faith is at the heart of everything – it drives us to action, enabling us to see the unseen and trust God's plan.
Like Abel’s blood which cried out to God, the blood of Jesus powerfully lives on touching every believer. Not only covers sin but removes its very nature, freeing us from the effects of sin such as brokenness, fear, and despair. Jesus didn’t come to simply forgive sin – He came to remove it entirely, offering us a life of freedom and holiness. When we let go of our own plans and surrender to His will, we experience true transformation and the fullness of God’s blessing.
We explore the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit equips us to become witnesses of God's grace, working through our lives to bring impact and power. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of unredeemed men who dared to believe God, such as Daniel in the lions’ den, David facing Goliath, and the men in the fiery furnace. These stories remind us of what God can accomplish when His Spirit is in us. When we surrender our lives to Him, the creative power of God lives inside us, guiding us through His Word. As we seek to be led by the Spirit, we must anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word, not just in feelings. Even Jesus, the perfect example, relied on the Word of God to overcome temptation.
The enemy often tries to lead us astray by causing us to question God's Word and focus on what we lack. But God's love is always pursuing us, even when we feel separated by sin. He desires relationship and never stops searching for us.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give
The Image of Christ in You
September 1, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Genesis 1:1–28, Colossians 1:15–18, Colossians 3:8–14, Hebrews 11:1–3, John 1:1–14
Pastor Mark goes back to the beginning to uncover God’s purpose for our lives and the power of His Word for real transformation. We explore how complicating the gospel can complicate our life, but God's plan brings order, direction, and peace. Discover the transformative power of faith, where what you believe holds more evidence than what you see.
Learn how to trust in God’s Word over the shifting circumstances around you. We delve into the importance of being fully convinced by faith, not letting go of God’s promises for fleeting human evidence. You'll be encouraged to rest in God’s sovereignty, understand the creative power within you as a believer, and see Jesus as the ultimate expression of God’s will. We also touch on identity, reminding you that you are created in God’s image with a divine purpose.
This message challenges you to live out of who God says you are, putting on Christ in your daily life and relationships. Don’t miss this life-changing word that will guide you to overcome every obstacle through the power of Christ in you.
The Creative Power of Faith
August 25, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Genesis 1:1–5, Acts 2:42–47, John 15:7, Psalm 1:1–3, Hebrews 11
Discover the creative power of faith that is within you to not only shape your life today but also your eternal destiny. Desiring the sincere milk of the Word leads to genuine growth and transformation. True change comes from knowing and living out God's Word, which equips us to overcome life's challenges.
As His words dwell within you, they guide your prayers and experiences, leading you into a deeper relationship with Him. The Bible, breathed by God and written by men, holds living words that can transform every aspect of your life. Just as Jesus knew the Word and fulfilled His mission, you too can find your destiny in Scripture.
Pastor Mark touches on the theory of evolution and the decision believers have to make in order to experience the abundant life.
Your faith shapes your reality—what you believe determines your life's direction. Understand that the unseen realm is more real than what you see, and by aligning your words with God's truth, you can frame your world and shape your destiny.
Watch along and join us as we celebrate communion and baptism, marking the surrender of another life to Christ.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give
Skilled in Righteousness
August 18, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • John 14:6, John 17:3, John 17:17, Hebrews 5:12–14, 2 Timothy 3:15–17
Pastor Mark reminds us that the church is not just something we do, but it’s something we are. We are actively living out our faith in union with God. Jesus opened the way to the Father, granting us access to heavenly blessings, a deep relationship with God, and the experience of His presence now, not just in eternity. For the remainder of the year, we’re diving into foundational Christian doctrines that many have forgotten, exploring how they can transform our lives in practical ways.
Sanctification is the process of being set apart for God’s specific purposes. Yet, many believers fail to live out the destiny God intended for them. Through His Word, God cleanses us, moving us from unintended purposes to our true calling. We’re on a journey to understand what it means to be a mature Christian, not just in appearance but in substance—able to teach and demonstrate the truths of God’s Word.
Jesus didn’t just come to absolve us of responsibility but to work through us, guiding us with the Holy Spirit, our divine GPS. While the world offers many opinions on how to live, true righteousness comes from aligning our lives with God’s will. Jesus has reconciled us to God, removing everything that once separated us, and now, as Born Again believers, we stand in right relationship with Him.
Righteousness is not just a status; it’s about making right choices that lead to right outcomes in our lives. God’s wisdom, found in all of Scripture, teaches us how to live in a way that brings about total salvation—spirit, soul, and body. Ignoring God’s correction leads us away from His intended path, but valuing His Word keeps us on track. True righteousness is born out of a deep, real conviction, guiding us to live according to God’s truth.
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Back to the Basics
August 11, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Romans 5:17–21, Hebrews 4:12, John 1:1–16, Hebrews 6:1–2, Hebrews 5:12–14
In “Back to the Basics,” Pastor Mark explores the incredible design God has for the body of Christ, where each believer plays a crucial role in expressing the fullness of Jesus. The diversity of Christ's expression cannot be contained in just one person; it takes the unique gifts, personalities, and callings of every member to reveal the complete picture of God's promises. Just as a rainbow reflects a spectrum of colors, we are called to reflect the diverse beauty of Christ in our lives, church, and community.
However, in a time when biblical literacy is at an all-time low, how do we ensure that this divine design is lived out? This sermon dives into the importance of becoming true students of the Word, not merely skimming its surface but allowing it to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. Discover how the living and active Word of God, as described in Hebrews 4:12, can bring about profound change, cutting to the very root of our struggles and revealing the truth amidst a world full of "my truth" narratives.
Join us as we learn to study the Bible deeply, understand its life-changing power, and fully express Christ in every aspect of our lives. This sunday was also extra special because many committed their lives to the Lord and were baptized. We also celebrated the ordaining of Pastor Wendy Anger who has served faithfully for almost 40 years at Life of Faith!
Why Baptism?
August 4, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Luke 1:67–77, Acts 2:6–16, Acts 10:33–48, Hebrews 6:1–2, Matthew 3:1–6
In "Why Baptism?," Pastor Mark dives into the foundational principle of baptisms, a cornerstone of our faith and life. Often, traditions lose their impact and significance, and baptism is no exception. We will walk through what baptism means, show in scripture the power and how it was done, and close out our service through demonstration!
Jesus came to address the root of our bondage under Satan's control: sin and our sin nature. Baptism fulfills the prophecy given by John the Baptist's father, symbolizing salvation through the remission of sins. When people responded to John's call to repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand, baptism served as a moment of confession and renewal, washing away sins and raising believers to a new life.
It is crucial to understand that while baptism is not necessary for salvation, it solidifies our faith in our hearts. The only requirement for salvation is to receive Jesus and believe in Him. God, in His wisdom, provided baptism and communion as tangible experiences to connect our faith with spiritual truths. Baptism allows us to physically identify with Christ's death and resurrection, experiencing a cleansing as we emerge from the water. Communion, through the bread and juice, connects us to the body and blood of the Lord, reinforcing our faith and experience of God's truth.
We must move beyond merely being forgiven and righteous before God while allowing sin and pride to persist in our lives. Christ came not just to cover and forgive sins but to remove them entirely. Baptism into Christ signifies our complete immersion in Him, symbolizing that every part of us is covered in Christ, and we are one spirit with Him. Through baptism, we declare that our old sinful nature died with Christ and that we have been raised into new life with Him.
The revelation of being dead to sin is profound. Jesus died to sin once, and we too have died to sin once, becoming new creations in Him. This understanding transforms our lives, grounding us in the grace and resurrection life of God.
Join us in this profound exploration of baptism, as we deepen our understanding and experience of this foundational truth, aligning our lives more closely with Christ's teachings and the eternal life He offers.
Created for Good Works
July 28, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Matthew 6:1–21, John 8:31–36, John 1:14–16, 1 Corinthians 3:10–12, Ephesians 2:7–10
Jesus came to set you free from sin, which corrupts and destroys lives. Many people are enslaved to sin, unable to make their own choices freely. As children of God, we were not designed to live under a curse or the ups and downs of life; from the beginning, we were blessed and called to reign.
Darkness is being exposed, and unrighteous deeds are coming to light. This is a great opportunity for the church to shine as children of light. We are called to reign and demonstrate what it means to be the light in the world. There are different types of works: dead, good, works of darkness, works of the devil, no works, and works of Jesus. Our actions and works have a dimensional impact, affecting either just the natural realm or transcending into the spiritual realm.
Reading the Bible and praying are crucial, but our works don’t affect our salvation. Everything we do should have a foundation in Jesus and His finished work. Building on any other foundation leads to temporary results. Good works won’t save us; salvation is through faith alone. Paul considered his accomplishments to be nothing compared to knowing Christ.
The motivation behind our works matter. It’s not about stopping works but having the right heart. We were created for good works to impact and bless others. Serving and doing good works should be done without seeking acknowledgement or praise from others. Dead works, which are done to earn God’s favor, must be replaced by receiving God’s blessing and letting it produce good works in us.
Jesus calls us to believe in Him and His finished work, which redeems us from sin and makes us righteous. True good works come from believing in Jesus with a heart centered on God’s glory. We can let Jesus live His life through us, yielding to Him and doing greater works. Doing the works of Jesus, such as healing the sick and casting out demons, is not a burden but the most fulfilling and joyful work we can do.
Jesus has already completed the work in us, but many still strive to become what we already are in Him. Embrace your identity in Christ, and let Him work through you to make a lasting impact in this world and beyond.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: http://http://www.lifeoffaith.church/give
