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.