In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 302), I preach from Luke chapter 5 and the call of Christ to Simon Peter, “Launch out into the deep.” Serving God is not meant to be safe, shallow, or merely comfortable. Biblical Christianity is an adventure of obedience and faith. When Jesus steps into your boat, He will always call you beyond routine, beyond fear, and beyond what you can manage on your own. The deep water is where faith is tested, where surrender becomes real, and where the power of God is revealed.

I share how obedience opens the door to Spirit-filled living, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and a life that is led, not by comfort, but by calling. From the baptism of the Holy Spirit to moments of risk, provision, and divine guidance, this message is a call to courageous faith. Leaders especially must learn to obey God step by step, right where they are, and trust Him with the outcome. The greatest catch is always in the deep.

– Dr. Mark Rutland

• (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook
• (00:00:25) - Adventures of Serving God in Faith
• (00:07:14) - The Adventure of Walking With Jesus
• (00:15:25) - The Adventure of Preaching in the Desert
• (00:20:30) - A Mexican Mission in the Desert
• (00:26:54) - God's call to come to Ghana
• (00:31:58) - How I was robbed at the airport
• (00:37:16) - An American Mission in Africa
• (00:42:39) - The Power of Ruth
• (00:47:45) - The Adventure of Serving God

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 301), I walk through Judges 17 and the tragic picture of spiritual confusion. Micah’s story shows how easily people build a self-made religion, mixing truth with error and assuming God must bless whatever they assemble. From false idols to hired priests, it is possible to look religious while being completely disconnected from God’s revealed truth.

I contrast the self-made man, the man-made power system, and the unmade man who is broken before God, and I show how grace still reaches the humbled heart. This message is a clear call to reject spiritual “scrap-heap” faith and stand on the unchanging Word of God, the blood of Jesus Christ, and true repentance. Leaders especially must inspect their label and be sure they are God-made, not culture-made.

- Dr. Mark Rutland

• (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook
• (00:00:25) - Judges
• (00:03:56) - How Were You Made?
• (00:09:26) - Scrapple
• (00:18:07) - Manasseh the Unmade King
• (00:21:38) - Preaching the Right Message
• (00:27:48) - Manasseh
• (00:33:13) - The Leader's Notebook

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 300), I walk through the sweeping biblical story of the Holy Spirit, from Genesis to Pentecost and beyond. We look at the Spirit who brooded over creation, empowered prophets and kings, and was promised in Joel, revealed by Jesus, and poured out in Acts. This is not a new doctrine or a modern movement, but the living Spirit of God at work across all Scripture. From Joel 2, John 20, and Acts 2, we trace the Spirit’s person and power through the Word of God.

I also challenge every believer to understand that life in the Spirit is not optional equipment for a few, but essential for the whole Church. The same Holy Spirit who filled the upper room still fills and empowers believers today. When He moves, our calling is simple: receive. Leaders especially must live and serve in the strength only the Spirit provides.

– Dr. Mark Rutland

• (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook
• (00:00:25) - A Biblical Concept of the Holy Spirit
• (00:02:59) - John's Gospel, The Holy Spirit
• (00:12:44) - When Messiah comes, the Holy Spirit will pour out on all flesh
• (00:19:59) - Prophecies of the Jews
• (00:22:37) - The Feast of Pentecost
• (00:26:49) - Receive the Holy Spirit
• (00:36:37) - The Crucified Peter and the
• (00:42:58) - Receiving the Holy Spirit
• (00:49:27) - Receive the Holy Spirit in Water Baptism
• (00:56:31) - Mark Rutland on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit