The Leader’s Notebook with Dr. Mark Rutland

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...

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...

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...

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 l...

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 t...

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 worsh...

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 blessin...

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 dista...

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 dista...

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...

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...

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 con...

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...

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 impossib...

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....

Dr. Mark Rutland takes us to Acts 2, where Simon Peter boldly proclaims, “This is that” —connecting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to Joel’s ancient prophecy. What happened in that Upper Room wasn’t just a historical event; it was the future breaking into the present. The early believers couldn’t fulfill their mission without the power of the Holy Spirit, and neither can we. In thi...

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook , Dr. Mark Rutland reads from Matthew 13:18-48. Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven through parables, like a multifaceted jewel, each parable revealing another glimpse of its splendor. The Kingdom is ruled by God, but in its outward form, it remains a mixture until Christ’s return—imperfect in us, yet divinely orchestrated. And just as a man gives everyth...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the story of four leprous men at the gate of Samaria during an Aramean siege, with the city trapped in famine and desperation (2 Kings 7:3). These outcasts unknowingly stumble upon abundance where they expected death, and their next decision holds a powerful lesson for us today. Don’t miss this thought-provoking message!

In the Book of Judges, God used unexpected, inanimate objects—an ox goad, a tent peg, a pitcher, a torch, a trumpet, a millstone, and a jawbone—to bring victory to His people. These objects had no power of their own, yet in the hands of a higher power, they played a crucial role in God’s divine plan. In this episode, Dr. Mark Rutland explores how these unconventional instruments teach us about ava...

In this powerful message from 2 Kings 4, Dr. Mark Rutland explores a mother’s unwavering faith in the face of tragedy. Her story challenges us to reflect on our own faith—do we have a heart for the lost and dying? Through personal testimony and biblical insight, Dr. Rutland calls us to embrace God’s mission and allow Him to work through us in our communities.

In this special two-part series, Dr. Mark Rutland speaks to pastors and guests at the Appalachian Ministry Network Conference 2024, held at Life Church Roanoke, Virginia. He explores the divine nature of communication, reflecting on all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up. Examining the role of the Holy Spirit and the gifts bestowed upon the apostles, Dr. Rutland offers...

In this special two-part series, Dr. Mark Rutland speaks to pastors and guests at the Appalachian Ministry Network Conference 2024, held at Life Church Roanoke, Virginia. Drawing from the writings of Paul and his own journey, Dr. Rutland explores the call to preach the gospel, emphasizing the importance of delivering the right message, to the right people, in the right way, at the right time. Thro...