November 6, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Philippians 2:14–15, Psalm 2, 1 Timothy 2:1–4, Jeremiah 29:7
In a unifying and heart felt message, we hear about the power of prayer, intercession, and love for those around us—even those we disagree with. Discover what it means to live from a place of gratitude, where we thank God for everyone in our lives and intercede for those who may be going astray.
As followers of Christ, our calling isn’t to judge or criticize but to lift others up. Imagine a church that prays instead of complains, where we support rather than tear down. This is the heart of early Christianity. Despite living under rulers who opposed their faith, the early believers were called to pray for those in authority, trusting that God could work even through those who seemed far from Him.
Join us as we learn how to activate this calling in our own lives—by shifting our hearts and aligning our words to build unity. Let’s elevate our relationships, commit to speaking life, and set an example of love that transforms lives and honors God.
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Gifts and Calling: An Introduction
October 30, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • 1 Corinthians 12:1–28, Ephesians 4:15–16, Acts 1:6–8, Acts 2:1–39, 1 Corinthians 13:8–10
Unlock the power of hearing God’s voice for yourself and discover your unique place in His Kingdom. Many believers wrestle with identifying their gifts or calling, but through exploring the diversity of spiritual gifts, graces, and offices within the body of Christ, we can each find our true fit.
Scripture shows that we’re united with God, not through religion or rules, but through a relationship where we hear His voice and walk with Him. Jesus said His sheep know His voice—not that they need special skills to hear it, but that they recognize it. In Christ, we are united with fellow believers, promoting one another’s success because we’re all members of one body.
This unity prevents anyone from falling through the cracks and fosters a deep connection among us. The gifts and grace God has given you are meant to uplift others, not just yourself. The Holy Spirit’s role in our lives is essential—He was sent to reveal Christ, and His presence in our lives is more than a temporary need. Through prophecy and spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit provides guidance for the specific situations we face, beyond what’s written in Scripture. Just as Paul received a prophetic warning, the Spirit offers insights that shape our lives.
As members of one another, we’re called to contribute when we gather, bringing encouragement, wisdom, and strength to the body of Christ. Embrace the mindset that we’re all knit together for a purpose, and through the gifts of the Spirit, we can walk in the fullness of our calling.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
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October 16, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 6, 1 John 1:7–9, 1 John 5:18
Pastor Mark concludes our verse-by-verse series through Galatians. Take these truths and allow the freedom in God's grace to affect every aspect of your life.
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Galatians 5: Experience Heaven
October 9, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 5, John 3:1–6, Revelation 22:1–2, John 7:38–39
Continuing our verse-by-verse study through Galatians, Pastor Mark discusses what it truly means to live in the Spirit rather than the flesh. When Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, it was a discovery into how to experience the fullness of heaven’s resources in your daily life. Jesus didn’t just come to secure our place in heaven; He came so we could experience the kingdom of heaven and its blessings right here on earth.
When you imagine heaven; the streets of gold, perfect peace, unshakable joy, healing, and divine provision, that’s all part of the spiritual realm that believers have access to—right now—through the Holy Spirit.
Natural efforts, no matter how hard we try, can never produce spiritual results. Jesus teaches us that it’s not through our self-effort or religious works that we receive from God, but through faith and living in the Spirit. The rivers of life and provision from heaven flow to us through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to live a life filled with peace, joy, love, and supernatural blessings. By embracing the love of God and realizing how much He has freely given to us, we can unlock the fullness of His kingdom.
If you’re still trying to earn God’s approval through works, this message is for you. Jesus came so that you could stop striving and start receiving from the Father’s abundant love and grace. It’s not about keeping laws or traditions, but about living as a child of God and allowing the Spirit to lead you into all the blessings of the kingdom. Faith that works through love is the key to unlocking heaven’s resources in your life, and it starts with understanding just how much you are loved by your Heavenly Father.
Learn how to shift from a servant mentality to a sonship mindset, living in the Spirit and accessing all the resources that come from heaven. Whether it’s healing, freedom, or supernatural provision, it all flows from the Spirit and the love of God. By walking in the Spirit, serving others, and allowing the Spirit to guide you, you can experience the fullness of life that God intended for you.
Life of Faith Church helps people experience God & enjoy life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
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Was That God?
October 2, 2024 • Wendy Anger • Galatians 5:16–18, Romans 8:14–15, Romans 7:14—8:1, John 10:27, 1 Samuel 16:1–13
Pastor Wendy Anger invites us on a journey of discovering God’s voice and being led by the spirit. As born again believers we have the advantage of the Holy Spirit living inside of us to guide and direct us. Knowing for sure that God is speaking to us, that we hear from Him and we follow His voice.
Walking in the Spirit is a powerful journey rooted in God's Word. As you read His Word, you'll begin to recognize His voice, discerning His lead from what is not of Him. The foundation of this walk is simple: God is good, and Satan is bad. Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but everything we speak should reflect God's goodness, bringing encouragement. Settle in your heart that any thought contradicting God's goodness is invalid. Walking in the Spirit is about hearing from God and allowing Him to lead you.
Praying in the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, brings wisdom and clarity. While it may feel like nothing is happening initially, as you persist, God’s promptings become clearer. It's a mighty force, and by giving God the opportunity through prayer, you’ll see His direction unfold. Spending time in His Word and fellowship with other believers is key to sharing testimonies and encouraging one another.
Take a cue from 12-year-old Jesus, who spent time in the temple asking questions and growing in wisdom and favor with God and man. As you immerse yourself in the Word, God’s voice will become familiar, and He will not lead you astray. The benefits of walking in the Spirit include prosperity, financial provision, and freedom from stress and anxiety. Even when it feels mechanical, declaring God’s truth over your situation will transform your heart as you begin to believe it.
God cannot direct you unless you are moving. He leads step by step, just as He guided Samuel in anointing a new king. Don't stumble at God's promises—count Him faithful. Let peace be your compass, and pursue love in all you do. For every situation, there is a word and a promise. Don’t focus on the problem, but on the Word, the light, and Jesus.
Galatians 5
September 25, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Romans 13:6, Romans 5:17, Galatians 5, Romans 8:31–37
September 11, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 4:6–22, 2 Corinthians 1:8–10
Have you reached the end of yourself, realizing you can't save yourself? This message dives deep into the transformative power of surrendering to God’s grace. When we let go of our efforts and trust in God, He brings life to what we thought was dead—whether it's our finances, relationships, or other areas of life. Discover how God continues to deliver us, not just once, but constantly, from death to life through His finished work.
We explore the tension between law and grace, focusing on Galatians and how living by rules can undermine the power of faith. Stop striving for breakthrough through self-effort—Jesus has already provided everything through grace! Learn how spontaneous, genuine worship, rooted in God's love, allows His glory to flow in your life. Embrace the freedom of receiving rather than earning, and see how true worship releases God’s power in ways beyond our imagination.
Unity in the body of Christ is essential, and cliques have no place in the church. Exclusion is a subtle strategy of the enemy to make us focus on self-effort again. Grace and law cannot coexist—cast out the law and embrace the fullness of God's grace in your life.
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
Galatians: Gospel of Grace
September 4, 2024 • Jacob Bain • Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:24–25, Galatians 3:10–12, Galatians 5:16–24, Galatians 1:6–9
God wants us to experience His love and enjoy life as His children, building a relationship rooted in love rather than rules and traditions. By studying Galatians, we gain a clearer understanding of the relationship God desires to have with us.
Paul's life is a powerful example of God's grace. Despite his past of persecuting the church, God still chose to use him mightily. This shows us that no matter our mistakes, God has a purpose for us. The gospel reveals Christ’s righteousness within us, not our sin, and God’s grace is a free gift that we could never earn or deserve.
The law cannot justify us or bring salvation—no amount of rule-following can make us right with God. However, His grace is more than enough if we continue to say yes to His call. When the truth of God’s grace is planted in our hearts, nothing can take it away.
The Old Testament law was meant to show our need for Christ, but it could never save us. As believers, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, walking in His righteousness. We no longer strive to earn God's favor but rest in His finished work, living out our faith in freedom.
Our faith impacts how we relate to God and to others. We are called to strengthen and encourage each other, reminding one another of our true identity in Christ and the destiny He has for us. As new creations in Christ, we are empowered to live transformed lives, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love.
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Galatians 4: Life With the Father
August 28, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 3:26–29, Galatians 4:1–6, Romans 8:12–17, 1 John 4:16–18, Luke 15:11–31
Discover the true nature of our Abba Father and what it means to be a son or daughter in God’s family. Pastor Mark discusses our true identity in Christ, shaking off the weight of our past—formed by our experiences, pains, and the identities handed to us by the world.
But when you surrender to Jesus, you are not just asking for a better life; you are choosing to die to your old self and be reborn in Him. The Kingdom of God supersedes any identity from your upbringing, career, or social status. The moment you say "yes" to Jesus, you move from darkness to light, becoming a son or daughter of God with a new identity and inheritance.
Jesus didn’t come just to make you a better person; He came to transform you into a son or daughter in union with the Father. This revelation shifts you from living out of obligation to living out of love and partnership with God. He is not a distant judge but a loving Father who wants to be in relationship with you. The perfect love of God drives out fear, and understanding how deeply you are loved by Him is the key to overcoming fear and experiencing true freedom.
In the story of the prodigal son, we see a Father who was less concerned about what was lost and more concerned about being reunited with His child. No matter how far you’ve strayed, God’s love and favor are always there, waiting for you to return. Your status as a child of the Most High God grants you rights, favor, and the best robe of righteousness—not because of your actions, but because of who you belong to. Embrace your identity in Christ and live in the fullness of His love and grace.
Galatians 3: The Promise and the SEED
August 21, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Deuteronomy 28, Genesis 22:16, Exodus 19:3—20:19, John 3:36, Galatians 3
The modern church often claims we don't need to keep the law because we're under the New Covenant, yet we still cling to self-effort, trying to earn righteousness through our actions, like honoring the Sabbath or tithing out of obligation.
In our personal lives, we often ask, "What must I do to receive God's blessings?" We create our own commandments—attending church, fasting, praying, and reading the Bible—believing that these actions will earn us favor. However, true blessing comes not from our efforts but from faith in what Jesus has already accomplished. The Jewish people tried to live perfectly under the law, but Jesus came and leveled the playing field. Now, anyone who puts their faith in Christ is equally qualified to receive the fullness of God's blessing, regardless of their past efforts.
For thousands of years, the Jewish people lived under the law, a culture and environment that shaped their entire way of life. God's desire was always for a people who could rule and reign as a kingdom, but this couldn't be accomplished under the law. Jesus came to fulfill God's true purpose, making us a kingdom of priests and a special treasure.
The truth is, God is love, we were born slaves to sin, everyone will be judged, and we cannot save ourselves. We need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior. Only those who believe in Christ have their judgment removed because He took it all upon Himself. If we reject Him, choosing instead to rely on our own efforts, we remain under God's judgment.
Righteousness in God's sight is achieved only by faith, not by behavior. It's not about Jesus plus our efforts equaling blessing; it's just Jesus. The moment we start relying on our actions to earn God's favor, we've fallen from grace. The covenant God made with Abraham and his Seed, Jesus Christ, is unchangeable and cannot be annulled by any law or human agreement.
When we are baptized into Christ, we become one with Him. In the Kingdom of God, there is no distinction based on race, gender, or social status. We are all one in Christ. If Christ doesn't see us based on our fleshly identities, why should we? We should love one another as Christ loves us, seeing each other through the spirit rather than the flesh. In Christ, there is true equality—whether free or slave, we are all one in Him.
Galatians 3: Blessed by God
August 14, 2024 • Pastor Mark Machen • Galatians 2:16–21, 1 Peter 4:10–11, Galatians 3:1–9, Genesis 12:1–3, Genesis 14:17—15:1
Pastor Mark continues his verse-by-verse teaching through Galatians highlighting our position as Sons of Abraham and heirs to his blessing.
The blessing of God is on us, just as it was on Abraham. Everything we touch and do responds to the Christ living in us, bringing multiplication and success. We are heirs to Abraham's blessing, walking in the same empowerment and favor. The blessing operates in an environment of faith, where we are fully aware of who we are in Christ. When we seek the Kingdom of God first, everything else is added to us. Moving into God's purpose often requires us to step out in faith, even when we don't feel ready or qualified, trusting that He will lead and provide for us.
Understanding the New Covenant is key to living a victorious life. With the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have a personal coach and advisor guiding us. The truth is that victory is already ours when we recognize what God has provided and live from a place of rest, not stress. If we have the mind of Christ, our thoughts should be centered on rest and blessing, not worry and fear.
Operating in faith means letting Jesus live through us, responding to every situation with His faith and perspective. It's not about our faith but His, as He is the author and finisher of our faith. We often struggle because we are not fully aware of this truth. Grace empowers us to live God's best life, and through His grace, we have an unending supply of favor and ability to accomplish what He has given us.
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You Are Loosed
August 7, 2024
It's Time to Get out of the Cave
July 31, 2024 • Joel Pogue • 1 Kings 16:32—19:21, Deuteronomy 11:13–17, Matthew 5:43–45, 2 Kings 2:1–14, Malachi 4:4–6
Discover powerful lessons from Elijah’s journey, a bold prophet who experienced a mental breakdown. His story reveals profound insights for believers today. After the miraculous victory on Mt. Carmel where the nation of Israel turned back to God and the prophets of Baal were defeated, Elijah received a death threat and fell into anxiety and depression. He lost the will to live, required angelic intervention for nourishment, and wandered in the wilderness for 40 days and nights.
Despite being a mighty prophet, Elijah experienced delusion, fear, and depression. God sought his obedience, not perfection, and commanded him to return to his ministry. This story underscores that mental breakdowns can be overcome by reengaging with one's ministry. Even when Elijah was reluctant to anoint a new prophet, he obeyed God.
Elisha's unwavering commitment to Elijah exemplifies multigenerational discipleship—a critical aspect of the ministry of reconciliation and fatherhood. Many Christians today face isolation, fear, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. The devil uses these struggles to discourage ministry and discipleship, but God's solution is to return to ministry and embrace generational discipleship.
1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that every believer has a unique role in the body of Christ, thriving through mutual support. Christians need to serve others to stay spiritually healthy. It’s time to plug in, not isolate, and realize that retirement isn't a kingdom principle. Your greatest days lie ahead as you continue advancing the ministry of reconciliation.
If you're struggling with anxiety and depression, remember Elijah’s story. God calls you to step up, not step down. Older Christians, it's time to invest in the younger generation. Pour out as others pour into you. Seek opportunities in your church to disciple and connect with others. Let's rise from our caves and embrace fatherhood and ministry together.
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