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.

In this powerful message from Acts 1:1–8, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the profound communication struggle between God and humanity. Though God's message is perfect, it is received through our broken, fallen nature—leading to confusion about the very Kingdom Jesus came to reveal. Dr. Rutland illustrates how even the apostles misunderstood Christ's teachings on power, expecting military strength when Jesus offered spiritual authority. Through vivid examples—from the humanity of Jesus to Peter’s sword in Gethsemane—this sermon challenges listeners to rethink what it means to receive true power through the Holy Spirit. Power not to conquer, but to carry the cross.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks Isaiah 6:1—"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord..." With deep insight and personal storytelling, he reminds us that no matter what happens in our lives or nation, God is still on the throne. Sharing a childhood lesson about depth perception, Dr. Rutland illustrates how the enemy magnifies our pain until it blocks our view of God. But like Isaiah, we can declare: I see that... but I also see the Lord, high and lifted up. This message is a stirring call to reclaim our focus, renew our humility, and refuse to let grief or fear define our year—because this is the year of our Lord.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Mark Rutland explores one of the most profound moments of repentance in all of Scripture. Drawing from 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51, he unpacks the story behind King David’s fall with Bathsheba, the prophetic confrontation by Nathan, and David’s heartfelt response. Dr. Rutland dives into the raw honesty of Psalm 51, showing how David’s confession wasn’t about managing consequences—it was about true transformation. A thousand years before Christ, David longed not just for forgiveness, but for a new heart. This message is a sobering reminder that no sin is isolated, but also a beautiful testament to God’s mercy and desire to restore.

In this powerful episode of The Leader’s Notebook, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks the story of Jezebel from 1 Kings 21—revealing how this ancient narrative exposes a manipulative and destructive spirit still at work today. Jezebel wasn’t just a historical figure; she represents a spirit of control that thrives in secrecy, manipulation, and ultimately, destruction. This episode explores how the Jezebel spirit operates behind the scenes, pulling strings for power without accountability. Dr. Rutland challenges listeners to recognize the signs, understand the pathology, and learn how to confront this spirit by bringing it into the light.

In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit speaks, and the Church is launched into its mission. In this episode, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks how Acts 13 reveals a responsive, missional, and intentional Church, led by the voice of God. But does God still speak and move like that today? Dr. Rutland shares his own powerful testimony of hearing from God in 1981 and following His call, even when the path seemed impossible. The Holy Spirit is still speaking—are we listening?

Dr. Mark Rutland takes us to Acts 9 and 10, where Peter’s encounter in Joppa becomes a turning point for the gospel. A Roman centurion, a vision of unclean food becoming clean, and a divine command—God was stretching Peter beyond his understanding of the law. Was God telling him to break it? No, He was revealing a greater plan. As Peter wrestled with tradition, the answer came knocking—literally. Joppa wasn’t just a historical moment; it was the gateway to the Gentile world, shaping the future of the Church. Just as Jonah resisted Nineveh, Peter hesitated—but obedience in Joppa changed history. The Holy Spirit is always expanding our faith, challenging our expectations, and leading us into the unknown. Are you ready to follow?