In this final message of my Real Life in the Holy Spirit series on The Leader’s Notebook, I explore what a Spirit-filled church truly looks like. Acts 13 shows us Antioch—a powerhouse team of leaders God assembled, then promptly “broke up” for His purposes. Through stories from my own ministry—whether in remote African villages or unexpected encounters at home—I share how God reserves the right to redirect His people and resources anywhere, anytime, without our permission. Sometimes His call feels like a gentle nudge; other times, it shakes our whole “house of cards.” The question is, will we obey? I challenge you to stay so yielded to the Holy Spirit that even His smallest prompt leads you to action. Wherever He sends, whatever He asks—just do what you’re told. — Dr. Mark Rutland

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share one of the most pivotal moments of my life—a story of how the Holy Spirit broke through years of resistance, depression, and theological misunderstanding to transform my ministry, my marriage, and my heart. I take you back to December 1975, when I reluctantly attended a Methodist pastors’ conference that I was certain would be a waste of time. Instead, I encountered God in a way I could never have planned. Through unexpected conversations, a prophetic word, and the gentle prayer of a pastor who simply said, “I love you,” I experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit—and with it, a new joy, power, and purpose that changed everything. My prayer is that you, too, will open your heart to the fullness of what God wants to do in your life. — Dr. Mark Rutland

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I explore what it means to have not just a single Pentecost, but “Pentecosts after Pentecost.” Many Christians live as though the outpouring in Acts 2 was a one-time event for the church, but the book of Acts—and my own experience—tell a different story. From Jerusalem to Samaria to Ephesus, believers who were already saved and baptized still needed the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to live boldly, love deeply, and endure joyfully. I share how this gift isn’t about wind, fire, or a cookie-cutter experience, but about the ongoing breath of God filling us again and again for the life we face today. Whether you’ve received Him before or never even considered it, I invite you to lean in, get hungry, and be ready for a fresh outpouring. — Dr. Mark Rutland

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I explore how the Holy Spirit transforms our relationships—marriage, family, work—through one powerful principle: mutual submission. Too often, Ephesians 5:22 gets pulled out like a rulebook verse, stripped of its context. But Paul’s real key is found just before it—“Submit to one another in the fear of God.” I share some humorous and real-life stories (including Braves baseball, a kitchen standoff, and a priceless vase) to show how Spirit-filled living is not about control, but about giving. Whether it’s a husband laying down his desires, a wife responding with grace, a parent leading with tenderness, or an employee working with integrity, the essence is the same—choosing to outgive each other. When we live this way, the Holy Spirit fills our homes, heals our wounds, and draws us closer together. — Dr. Mark Rutland

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

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. In this episode, Dr. Rutland calls us beyond theoretical faith and into real spiritual action. Spirit-filled living isn’t abstract—it’s the daily experience of God’s power working through us.

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.

In this opening episode of a five-part series on the Book of Judges, Travis Rutland steps in as a guest speaker for Dr. Mark Rutland to introduce the historical and spiritual context of this powerful Old Testament book. From the leadership transition after Moses and Joshua to the tribes’ failure to drive out the pagan tribes in the Promised Land, Travis walks through the foundational themes that lead to the rise of the judges. This episode lays essential groundwork for understanding the leadership, cycles of disobedience, and divine intervention that define the rest of the book.

In this powerful message, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the dynamic tension between spiritual authority and earthly power. Drawing from Scripture and historical examples, he examines how God raises up prophetic voices to confront, advise, and sometimes challenge leaders. This sermon is a compelling reminder that God still speaks—often through unexpected messengers—to shape the destiny of nations and the hearts of those in charge.

In this powerful Memorial Day message, Dr. Mark Rutland explores The Mystery of Communion through the lens of Matthew 26:26-30—the moment Jesus established a new covenant at the Last Supper. With deep reverence, Dr. Rutland unpacks how Holy Communion is far more than a ritual. It is a sacred act where the Holy Spirit meets us with grace, healing, and divine presence. From the Hebrew roots of worship through Psalm 136 to the sobering weight of Christ’s words—“This is My body...This is My blood”—this episode challenges us to approach the Communion table with awe, repentance, and faith. Communion isn’t just symbolic; it is supernatural. As we partake, God ministers grace to the deepest places in our lives. It’s not only remembrance—it’s renewal.

In this powerful sermon from 1 Kings 18, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel. Fire falls from heaven, consuming the soaked altar and proving once and for all who the true God is. But this isn’t just history—it’s a prophetic picture. The fire of God represents the Holy Spirit, who purifies, sanctifies, and calls us to holiness. Then comes the rain—a sign of God’s blessing—but only after the fire has come first. In this message, Dr. Rutland issues a clear challenge: you can’t live with one foot in each camp. It’s time to choose—God or the devil, the Kingdom or the world, but not both.

In Part 2 of God in the Distaff Side, Dr. Mark Rutland turns to the hearts of women in Scripture—the compromised, romantic, and committed heart. From Lot’s wife and Bathsheba to Rizpah and Mary, each reveals how the posture of the heart shaped their destiny. Through these stories, Dr. Rutland reveals how the heart still directs the course of a life—and how God continues to speak through the distaff side.

In this moving two-part series, Dr. Mark Rutland turns our attention to the women of Scripture—how they saw, what they carried, and how God met them in their pain. From Michal’s bitterness to Naomi’s brokenness, from a Gentile mother’s humility to Anna’s faith, their stories reveal how the eyes of women have been shaped by loss, insult, and hope. This message is a love letter from God to the distaff side—a call to see beyond what’s been lost and believe again.