Advertise on podcast: The Leader’s Notebook with Dr. Mark Rutland

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 309), I take us to Zechariah 4:6–10, where I want to show you what the grace of God really is—and what it is not. We often treat grace as a one-time event at salvation, then spend the rest of our lives trying to move the mountains in our own strength. But Scripture says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Grace is not God cheering you on while you strain and struggle. Grace is God Himself stepping in and doing what you cannot do. When we finally surrender and say, “Lord, I quit,” we discover that grace has been waiting there all along. This is a deeply practical word about living a grace-filled life—toward your family, your church, your pastor, and even yourself. Without grace, we become brittle, critical, and exhausted. With grace, we become life-giving and free. The final word of the Bible is not judgment but grace—and that is God’s word over your life today. Receive it, live in it, and lead from it. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - King James Bible(00:06:38) - What Words Will They Use in the 21st Century(00:12:42) - Zechariah 4: The Picture of Grace(00:20:13) - When Grace Is Enough for A Shameful Man(00:26:35) - Racism in the Church(00:31:47) - What An Earring Should You Take Out(00:36:19) - How to Raise Your Self-Review(00:41:54) - Real Christianity is When You Fall Apart(00:44:01) - What Is God's Last Word?

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 308), I take you to one of the most unusual and powerful pictures of salvation in all the Bible—Numbers 21 and the bronze serpent in the wilderness—and connect it directly to Jesus’ words in John chapter 3. When the people were dying from the bite of fiery serpents, God did not remove the snakes. He provided a cure and told them to look up in faith and live. Jesus Himself said this moment pointed straight to the cross, where the Son of Man would be lifted up so that all who believe would be saved. We will walk through the meaning of sin, the certainty of death, and the mercy of God who does not leave us without hope. John 3:16 is more than a memory verse—it is heaven’s answer to the poison of sin. This message is a clear call to personal faith, not tradition, not borrowed religion, but a real look to Christ crucified. Wise leaders know truth must be faced honestly, and life must be received by faith. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - John 3:16(00:05:42) - The Permissible Hermeneutic(00:13:16) - God's Brass Serpent(00:21:23) - Every Person in the Room Will Die(00:27:16) - He has raised up a mechanism of faith(00:34:33) - Leader's Notebook

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 307), I take us to John 21, where I walk through one of the most tender and powerful restoration stories in all of Scripture—the risen Jesus meeting His discouraged disciples on the shore. After failure, denial, confusion, and grief, Peter and the others return to fishing, only to discover that Christ has not abandoned them. He recreates the scenes of their calling, their failure, and their future, showing us how soul restoration really happens through His presence and grace. We look closely at the charcoal fire, the miraculous catch, and Jesus’ threefold question to Peter: “Do you love Me?” This is not condemnation but restoration. No matter how deeply you’ve failed or how badly you’ve been wounded, Jesus still calls, still forgives, and still restores. This truth doesn’t just heal hearts—it reshapes how we serve and lead others from a place of mercy instead of shame. Come and dine. Grace is still on the table. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Jesus showed Himself to His Disciples at the Sea of Galilee(00:05:29) - The Life of the Disciples(00:11:41) - Simon Peter's Spanking(00:17:09) - The Reasons Why Peter Denies Jesus(00:20:36) - Jesus' invitation to your darkest moment(00:25:33) - Jesus Recreating Peter's Denial, Restoration of His Call(00:27:17) - The Third Most Popular Sentence in America

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 306), I open John 11 and Luke 24 to explore what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” The resurrection is not only an event we celebrate—it is a living power we receive. Jesus did not come merely to improve us, but to place His own life within us through the Holy Spirit. I walk through the conversation with Martha, the raising of Lazarus, and the empty tomb to show the difference between physical death and true life in Christ. This message brings hope, clarity, and urgency: resurrection is not just something Jesus does — it is who He is. The question is not only what you believe about the resurrection, but what life is at work in you right now. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Mary and the Resurrection of Lazarus(00:03:50) - The Four Variables of Communication(00:09:12) - The Communication Problem of God(00:15:16) - God's Heaven and Hell(00:16:36) - Easter and the Resurrection(00:23:26) - The Life and Death of Christ

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 305), I open Luke 19 and the Palm Sunday story to explore a simple but life-changing phrase: “The Lord has need of it.” Jesus’ triumphal entry was set in motion by an unexpected act of release and trust, and it reveals how grace is meant not only to come to us—but flow through us. Grace received but not given becomes stagnant. I talk about how grace works in real life — in our homes, marriages, churches, and even how we see ourselves. From generosity to forgiveness to everyday kindness, this message calls us to become conduits of unfettered grace. When we stop clinging and start releasing, we discover the joy and freedom of Spirit-filled living and leadership. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The Message of Communication(00:05:24) - Mark 8: Spontaneous Grace(00:11:56) - God's Love for Tithing(00:14:22) - One More Word of Grace(00:18:11) - A message on disgraceful churches(00:25:16) - The Funniest Church Story

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 304), I walk through the extraordinary and complicated life of King David, beginning in Ruth 4 and 1 Samuel 16. David was not an ordinary man—shepherd, musician, warrior, king, poet, and prophet—yet Scripture still calls him a man after God’s own heart. We explore his calling, his courage, his failures, and his fierce pursuit of God’s purpose through every season of change. From the anointing at Bethlehem to the cave of Adullam, from kingship to repentance in Psalm 51, David teaches us how to keep our eyes on God’s destiny even when we fall. His sin does not excuse us—but his repentance instructs us. His Psalms still speak, still heal, still point us to Christ. There is deep encouragement here for anyone who refuses to quit and keeps falling forward toward grace. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:31) - The extraordinary life of King David(00:09:23) - David the Book of Life(00:14:13) - David the King of Israel(00:20:56) - David the Conqueror(00:24:47) - The Story of David and the Capital(00:26:01) - The Story of David and Bathsheba(00:30:56) - David's Sin (Psalm 51)(00:33:10) - Why is David Called a Man After God's Own Heart?(00:34:40) - The Psalms

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 303), I walk through Joshua chapters 3 and 5 and what happens when God brings His people to a decisive moment. Israel stands at the Jordan after years of delay, and the Lord calls them to sanctify themselves, step forward in faith, and follow His presence into the unknown. Before the waters part, the priests must first step into the river. That is how obedience and miracles often work. This message is about the moment of God, when His voice cuts through confusion and calls us to clean out what hinders us, expect His supernatural power, and move when the Holy Spirit leads. The ground becomes holy wherever God is present, and when He speaks, it is never too late to respond. Leaders and believers alike must decide whose side they are on and move forward in faith. - Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Joshua 3: Communication in the Bible(00:02:43) - Joshua and the Ark of the Covenant(00:06:08) - Joshua vs Jericho(00:07:42) - The Moment of God(00:12:54) - The Holy Spirit Wants to Clean Up Your Life(00:18:55) - God's Wonders in the World(00:24:18) - The Moment of God(00:29:16) - Joshua the Lord of Hosts

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 Chapters (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 Chapters (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 Chapters (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

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 299), I invite you to listen as two of the greatest devotional passages in all of Scripture come together—the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 and the 23rd Psalm. What happens when Jesus’ prayer becomes more than words we recite and David’s psalm becomes more than comfort we quote? In my own darkest season, these Scriptures became medicine to my soul, steady handholds when I felt trapped in a well I could not climb out of. I discovered that the Lord’s Prayer is not dead liturgy, but a living gift from God, meant to be prayed, lived, and trusted. As we reflect on these passages, you’ll hear how God restores the soul, reshapes the mind, and brings peace into places of fear, weariness, and struggle. This message is an invitation to let Scripture wash over you, to pray what Jesus taught, and to trust the Shepherd who is with you—now and forever. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The Lord's Prayer in the 23rd Psalm(00:02:27) - Our Prayer for Matthew 6(00:02:58) - Psalm 23(00:04:49) - How to Write a Book About Depression(00:13:07) - The Lord's Prayer: A Help for People in Depression(00:21:14) - The 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer(00:28:15) - The Lord's Prayer and The Ten Commandments(00:33:56) - Psalm 23: Medicine to My Soul(00:35:53) - Amino: The 23rd Psalm

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 298), I open one small word that carries enormous spiritual weight—the word nevertheless. From 2 Timothy 2:15–19, we are reminded that error, deception, and cultural pressure can never weaken the foundation of God. False teaching may spread like gangrene, but truth remains untouched. The Word of God stands sure, regardless of who argues against it, mocks it, or misunderstands it. Tracing this word through Scripture—from Elisha’s bold faith in 2 Kings 2, to God’s mercy in Psalm 106, and finally to Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane—we discover that nevertheless is the fulcrum of faith. It is how believers stand firm, pray hard prayers, trust God for miracles, and rest their hope fully on the cross. When everything shakes, this word anchors us: God is faithful, Christ has died for us, and His truth will never fail. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - Leaders Notebook(00:04:10) - A Word of Life(00:05:37) - 2 Timothy 1: Nevertheless(00:07:31) - The Attack on the Fundamental Truths of the Bible(00:15:12) - The Nevertheless of Faith in a Hard Thing(00:20:16) - A teenage boy in the desert(00:22:31) - Third Psalm(00:25:47) - Crucified Jesus(00:29:03) - The Leader's Notebook

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 297), I take us to Ephesians 4 and 5 to confront the gap between theoretical Christianity and real life in the Spirit. Too many believers are content to talk about faith without ever stepping into the canoe. Paul reminds us that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not an abstract idea—it shows up in how we speak, forgive, submit, give, and love one another. Spirit-filled living is intensely practical. This message calls us beyond gifts, experiences, and religious language into holiness expressed in community. Walking in love means allowing the Holy Spirit to probe our lives, heal our relationships, and shape the way we live with family, church, and the people God places around us. Real Christianity is not learned in theory—it is lived in love. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Paul's Letter to the Church(00:07:35) - Paul lists the negative aspects of human relationships in Ephesians 5(00:12:50) - The Gifts of the Holy Spirit(00:17:40) - Have You Received the Holy Spirit?(00:21:50) - Paul on Submission in Ephesians 5(00:27:39) - Paul's On Submission and Love(00:30:58) - The Contradiction of Submission and Authority(00:36:09) - Gossip in the Family(00:43:08) - How to Live in Community(00:47:24) - The Leader's Notebook

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 296), I invite you into one of the most powerful yet often overlooked truths in Scripture—what God is really like. From John 1:16–18, we see that Jesus is the full revelation of the Father, and what He reveals is not distance, anger, or reluctance, but grace upon grace. Moses brought the law, but Jesus came to show us the generous, giving, sacrificial heart of God. The Word became flesh so we could see clearly that God’s nature is grace multiplied by grace. This message calls us beyond theoretical faith into a life shaped by generosity, forgiveness, and joyful surrender. Grace is not merely something we receive; it is the very life of God expressed through us. When we understand how completely we are forgiven, loved, and welcomed, we are freed to live boldly, give freely, and follow Christ wherever obedience leads. That is the adventure of real Christianity—and it begins with knowing the Father as He truly is. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:28) - John 1:8-9(00:04:38) - What is at the Heart of Christianity?(00:12:03) - Living a Life of Grace(00:17:02) - The Joy of Generosity(00:20:31) - Tithing(00:23:47) - God's Grace and Truth(00:28:54) - Adventures in the Life of Grace(00:32:29) - The Real Adventure of Love and Mercy(00:35:18) - The Leader's Notebook

In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 295) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, and the final message in this series, I turn our attention to Paul the Apostle and the decisive turning points God used to shape the most influential voice of the early church. We begin with his commissioning in Acts 13 and look back to his dramatic conversion, his unmistakable calling, and the costly obedience that followed. Saul of Tarsus emerges as a Roman citizen, an elite rabbinical scholar, and a relentless Pharisee who encountered the risen Christ and was forever changed. From that encounter, Paul became the great theologian of salvation by faith alone, clarifying what it means for Gentiles to be grafted into the body of Christ. His life reminds us that to touch the church is to touch Christ Himself, and that true Kingdom leadership is not formed by ease, reputation, or advantage, but by answering God’s call wherever it leads. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Paul the Apostle(00:04:02) - Paul the Apostle(00:12:10) - Saul of Tarsus(00:20:22) - Paul the Apostle's life(00:21:30) - Why Do Certain People Change Their Names?(00:27:40) - Paul the Apostle: Suffering and Joy(00:35:58) - Simon Peter on the Book of Hebrews(00:43:17) - Gentiles and the Law