In this final episode of the Also Featured In The Cast series, I reflect on those whose names you may not know but whose roles were essential—both in history and in the story of Jesus. From Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea to the humble parents of Christ, we explore the lives of those who shaped history and faith in quiet yet profound ways. We also examine the deadly combination of political, military, and religious power in the crucifixion of Jesus, and the stark contrast of those who faithfully cared for Him. At the heart of it, Jesus knows each of us by name, no matter how overlooked or forgotten the world may be.– Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The Life of Hattie McDaniel(00:03:26) - John 4:1-2(00:06:13) - The Life of Herod and Pilate(00:15:24) - Political, Military and Religious Power in the Crucification of Jesus(00:22:22) - The Power of Religious Power(00:31:47) - Also mentioned in the Christ Story(00:34:44) - What Kills People in Crucifixion(00:41:24) - Leader's Notebook
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue my series “Also Featured in the Cast” by looking at the “St. Peter movie”—and the people who surrounded him. From James and John, the fiery “Sons of Thunder,” to John’s quiet faithfulness at the foot of the Cross, to James the brother of Jesus who led the church in Jerusalem, to Paul’s bold confrontation of Peter at Antioch, and even to Judas Iscariot, I explore the lives of those who shaped and challenged Simon Peter’s journey. Their stories illuminate our own struggles with failure, forgiveness, calling, and grace. No matter how far we’ve fallen, we cannot out-sin the grace of God. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - Leaders Notebook(00:01:22) - The Life of Daniel Stern(00:03:00) - Simon Peter and the Circumcision(00:07:27) - Simon Peter and St. Paul(00:09:15) - The Sons of Thunder(00:17:11) - Simon Peter at the Cross(00:18:28) - The Life of St. John, Chapter 21(00:24:08) - James, the Administrative Bishop at Jerusalem(00:26:47) - Paul the Apostle in Peter's Movie(00:30:23) - The Life of Judas Iscariot(00:32:18) - What Did Judas Iscariot Do That Peter Didn't(00:38:03) - The Life of St. Peter and John
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue our series, Also Featured in the Cast, with a look at the Apostle Paul—not as the star of the story, but through the lives of three people who shaped his journey: Ananias, Barnabas, and Stephen. Each of these men was “also mentioned in the cast,” yet each played an indispensable role in God’s plan. Ananias obeyed a terrifying call to reach out to a persecutor. Barnabas became the encourager who restored others when no one else would. And Stephen’s Christlike suffering sowed the seeds of Paul’s conversion. Their stories remind us that God often works through ordinary people in unseen moments—and that our obedience, compassion, and faithfulness may change lives in ways we’ll never fully know. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The Unfamiliar Margaret Hamilton(00:02:18) - Acts 4, The Son of Exclamation(00:06:30) - Three Disciples of Paul the Apostle(00:13:24) - The crazy old Welshman from Port St. Joe(00:16:51) - Barnabas and Saul of Tarsus(00:22:30) - The Life of Barnabas(00:26:46) - Paul the Apostle and Saul of Tarsus(00:32:54) - Suffering in the Gospel(00:37:59) - The Leader's Notebook
In this episode of Also Featured In The Cast, we turn to the New Testament and focus on two remarkable figures who surrounded Mary in the unfolding story of Christ’s birth—Elizabeth and Joseph. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophetically recognized the miracle growing within Mary’s womb. Her faith and affirmation strengthened the young woman chosen to bear the Son of God. And Joseph—often overlooked and silent in the nativity story—embodies quiet obedience and steady faith. Through their lives, we see how God weaves the supernatural into the ordinary. The Christian life, like theirs, is not always filled with angels and miracles—it’s often laundry, hard work, and perseverance. Yet even in the mundane, God’s presence remains. Learning to walk naturally in the supernatural, and supernaturally in the natural—that’s the essence of a Spirit-filled life. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:34) - Celebrity Mothers in the New Testament(00:09:06) - Mary the Mary Movie(00:13:17) - The Immaculate Mary and Elizabeth(00:20:00) - Mary, Elizabeth and the Birth of the Savior(00:21:17) - Joseph in the Story of Jesus(00:26:29) - The Birth of Jesus: Natural and Supernatural(00:33:14) - The Naturalness of Life(00:40:22) - The Leader's Notebook
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue our series Also Featured in the Cast—where we explore the lesser-known people surrounding the great figures of Scripture. Today, we look not at Elijah himself, but at those who stood around him: Ahab, Jezebel, and Elisha. Ahab saw Elijah as a troublemaker—proof that when culture descends into wickedness, righteousness is seen as disruption. Jezebel went further, viewing Elijah as a mortal enemy, a threat to her idolatrous power. Yet Elisha saw Elijah as a mentor to admire, serve, and ultimately surpass. We live in a world much like theirs—where standing for truth may make us “troublemakers” to a corrupted culture. But like Elisha, we must pray, “Lord, give us a double portion.” May God raise up bold, Spirit-filled believers who will stand unafraid in this generation. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The People Around Andy Griffith, Jerry Seinfeld, and More(00:04:00) - The Life of Elijah the Prophet(00:06:16) - God's Word on Wickedness(00:10:31) - Teacher Fired for Refusing to Lie About Her Child's Gender(00:12:05) - God Raises Up Troublemakers for America(00:18:39) - All kinds of idolatry(00:25:55) - The Life of Elisha(00:32:20) - The separation of Elijah and Elisha(00:39:14) - The Leader's Notebook
In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, I turn our attention to the Solomon story—but not to Solomon himself. Instead, we explore the often-overlooked characters who shaped his rise to the throne and the lessons they still teach us today. From the bold prophet Nathan, who spoke both judgment and grace, to the faithful priest Zadok, the scheming Joab, the vain Adonijah, and the complex Bathsheba, each person represents a powerful truth about God’s dealings with His people. Together, they reveal the balance between the prophetic and priestly voices of God—the edge that cuts and convicts, and the edge that heals and restores. Through their stories, we see that God’s will is not simply to make us happy, but to make us holy. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Also featured in the cast of The Solomon Movie(00:02:54) - The Life of Solomon(00:10:49) - The role of Nathan in the Israel story(00:13:58) - The Israel Godfather in The Solomon Movie(00:20:16) - The Life of Solomon(00:24:29) - Bathsheba the Desecrator(00:28:31) - Zadok the Priest and King(00:35:29) - God's Friend and His Relationship with Us
In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, we turn our attention to the “supporting roles” in King David’s story—his brothers, his wife Michal, his son Absalom, and his loyal friend Jonathan. These often-overlooked characters reveal powerful truths about envy, bitterness, rebellion, and friendship. David’s brothers struggled with jealousy toward the anointing on his life. Michal allowed bitterness to consume her joy. Absalom’s pride and unforgiveness led him down a tragic path of rebellion. Yet Jonathan—humble, discerning, and selfless—shines as the truest friend David ever had. Each of us has people like these in our own story. The question is not just who’s in our cast—but how we respond to them. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Samuel the Prophet(00:04:40) - David's Brothers in the David Movie(00:10:37) - "Envy is the wickedest sin"(00:12:13) - The Despicable First Wife of David(00:17:44) - The Story of David and Michael(00:22:53) - The Character of Absalom(00:31:00) - Jonathon in the David Movie(00:35:56) - The Leader's Notebook
In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, I turn our attention to Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In the “movie” of 1 Samuel, Samuel is clearly the star, but Hannah—often overlooked—shapes the story in ways that change history. We’ll explore her passionate prayer, her faithfulness to keep her covenant with God, and her role in raising and dedicating Samuel for the Lord’s service. Along the way, I’ll reflect on how God uses “supporting characters” like Hannah—and like you and me—to bring about His plans. Even when we feel unseen, our influence may be far greater than we imagine. – Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - 1 Samuel(00:04:27) - Actor of the Week(00:06:41) - Samuel the Book of 2 Samuel(00:08:10) - The reasons behind the barren women of the Bible(00:10:25) - The Story of Hannah and Polygyny(00:15:01) - The role of mothers in the life(00:21:26) - The Priest at Shiloh(00:24:44) - There are those people who can be dramatically and wonderfully used of God(00:28:48) - The Life of Saul and His Reign(00:34:46) - The Book of David(00:38:43) - The Story of Samuel
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue my series Also Featured in the Cast by turning to the life of Moses. Moses is the central figure of Exodus—the lawgiver, the deliverer, the star of the story. Yet surrounding him are others whose faith, courage, and even failures shaped his journey: parents who hid him, a sister who watched over him, Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued him, Jethro who advised him, and Pharaoh who resisted him. Their choices remind us that our lives are never lived in isolation. God uses the people around us—both allies and adversaries—to shape our destiny. My prayer is that you will recognize the cast members in your own story and trust God to use every one of them for His purposes. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - Leaders Notebook(00:02:51) - Dean Winters in John Wick: The Maimed Man(00:05:05) - 3 Things That Affect the Story of Moses(00:13:55) - Pharaoh's Daughter's Mercy for the Baby(00:21:54) - The Problem of God vs Pharaoh(00:26:51) - Aaron and Miriam(00:30:16) - You're the Star of Your Life
In this series of The Leader’s Notebook, I begin a journey I’m calling Also Featured in the Cast. When we read the stories of great Bible heroes like Abraham, we often focus only on the star of the story. Yet around Abraham are others—Terah, Nahor, Haran, Lot, and Sarai—figures who also shape the journey. Some hinder, some fall away, some compromise, and some stand faithfully beside him. Through their lives we discover lessons about the people around us: those we may have to release, those who start the journey but cannot finish, those who drift toward compromise, and those who walk with us through thick and thin. My prayer is that these stories will help you see your own journey more clearly and encourage you to keep your eyes on the call of God, no matter who else is in the cast.— Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Genesis 11, Verse 5(00:02:34) - The minor players in the Bible(00:05:12) - The Family Tree of Abram(00:13:24) - There Are People Who Will Destroy Your Life(00:20:17) - The story of Lot and his decision to go to Canaan(00:25:42) - Don't Look Back(00:31:14) - Abram and Sarai
In this final message of my Real Life in the Holy Spirit series on The Leader’s Notebook, I explore what a Spirit-filled church truly looks like. Acts 13 shows us Antioch—a powerhouse team of leaders God assembled, then promptly “broke up” for His purposes. Through stories from my own ministry—whether in remote African villages or unexpected encounters at home—I share how God reserves the right to redirect His people and resources anywhere, anytime, without our permission. Sometimes His call feels like a gentle nudge; other times, it shakes our whole “house of cards.” The question is, will we obey? I challenge you to stay so yielded to the Holy Spirit that even His smallest prompt leads you to action. Wherever He sends, whatever He asks—just do what you’re told. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - The Fall Series(00:01:28) - What Does a Spirit- Church Look Like?(00:03:19) - God's plan for the church(00:11:56) - God's Will for the Church(00:19:25) - Give All Your Antiques to the Dog(00:21:47) - selfishness in the church(00:28:59) - Paul's Appeal to the Apostolic Church(00:30:10) - Leader's Notebook
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share one of the most pivotal moments of my life—a story of how the Holy Spirit broke through years of resistance, depression, and theological misunderstanding to transform my ministry, my marriage, and my heart. I take you back to December 1975, when I reluctantly attended a Methodist pastors’ conference that I was certain would be a waste of time. Instead, I encountered God in a way I could never have planned. Through unexpected conversations, a prophetic word, and the gentle prayer of a pastor who simply said, “I love you,” I experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit—and with it, a new joy, power, and purpose that changed everything. My prayer is that you, too, will open your heart to the fullness of what God wants to do in your life. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Authentic Christianity(00:05:56) - Simon Peter(00:12:30) - The theology of the Holy Spirit profoundly impacted my ministry(00:21:18) - One of the Martyrdoms(00:27:46) - The Madness of Methodist Preachers(00:33:16) - Paul Wilkerson(00:41:02) - One of my closest friends left the Methodist Church one Sunday(00:47:41) - Receive the Holy Spirit(00:54:35) - An Old Woman Gets the Holy Ghost(00:57:56) - The Leader's Notebook
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I explore what it means to have not just a single Pentecost, but “Pentecosts after Pentecost.” Many Christians live as though the outpouring in Acts 2 was a one-time event for the church, but the book of Acts—and my own experience—tell a different story. From Jerusalem to Samaria to Ephesus, believers who were already saved and baptized still needed the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to live boldly, love deeply, and endure joyfully. I share how this gift isn’t about wind, fire, or a cookie-cutter experience, but about the ongoing breath of God filling us again and again for the life we face today. Whether you’ve received Him before or never even considered it, I invite you to lean in, get hungry, and be ready for a fresh outpouring. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:24) - Prayer of Faith in the Spirit(00:04:01) - Pentecosts: Real Life in the Spirit(00:12:00) - The Experience of Pentecost(00:17:37) - The Essential Experience of Pentecost(00:25:13) - Receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost(00:30:05) - Be Being Flooded With the Holy Spirit(00:32:50) - Have You Received the Holy Spirit?
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I explore how the Holy Spirit transforms our relationships—marriage, family, work—through one powerful principle: mutual submission. Too often, Ephesians 5:22 gets pulled out like a rulebook verse, stripped of its context. But Paul’s real key is found just before it—“Submit to one another in the fear of God.” I share some humorous and real-life stories (including Braves baseball, a kitchen standoff, and a priceless vase) to show how Spirit-filled living is not about control, but about giving. Whether it’s a husband laying down his desires, a wife responding with grace, a parent leading with tenderness, or an employee working with integrity, the essence is the same—choosing to outgive each other. When we live this way, the Holy Spirit fills our homes, heals our wounds, and draws us closer together. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Power of the Holy Spirit in Family Life(00:01:27) - Ephesians 5:18(00:08:54) - Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands as unto the Lord(00:14:05) - Submission in the Bible(00:19:44) - The Appeal of Looking At Your Husband(00:22:33) - The Real Deal(00:28:28) - Give generously, not arrogantly
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share one of my favorite stories from the book of Acts—a challenge to every believer to “get off the porch” and follow the Holy Spirit into unexpected places. From Philip’s revival in Samaria to his lonely walk down a desert road, we see how God sometimes moves us from moments of great success into situations that make no sense at the time—because the miracle is waiting at the end of the road. I also tell a personal story from my early ministry days in Mexico, when I thought I knew where God was sending me, only to hear Him clearly say, “Go home.” This message will encourage you to obey first, trust God’s plan, and step into the adventure He has for you. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - leaders notebook(00:07:30) - The Persecution of Jesus(00:12:17) - Wonders of Mexico(00:20:07) - Philip the Pharisee vs. God(00:20:49) - God's call to be a missionary in Mexico(00:27:13) - The Message of Philip the Ethiopian
When the Holy Spirit fills your life, fear has to go. In Acts 4, Peter and John didn’t shrink back—they stood before the Sanhedrin with courage, prayed for even greater boldness, and lived with open-handed generosity. That’s the life I believe God is calling us to live. In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share how bold faith changes the atmosphere—whether it’s a college student witnessing to a Muslim colonel in Nigeria or a believer releasing possessions for God’s glory. I’m inviting you to pray for the Spirit to shake your life free from fear, fill you with courage, and release you into the joy of generous living. — Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - A Spirit-filled Church(00:02:47) - Acts 4, Prayer(00:07:25) - Anointing with the Holy Spirit(00:08:58) - What are the fundamental characteristics of a Spirit-filled Church?(00:14:55) - Prayer for Healing From Fear and intimidation(00:16:39) - Prayer for Boldness(00:19:08) - Spiritual Fillers(00:20:19) - God Will Bless You Financially(00:25:44) - A Personal Tip for You(00:26:20) - What Could God Ask You for Tonight That You Would Just Say No(00:31:36) - Leader's Notebook
Dr. Mark Rutland shares how to move beyond theoretical Christianity into Spirit-filled living. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he shows how bitterness and gossip grieve the Holy Spirit—and how real faith is lived out through grace, forgiveness, and healing. Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Spirit Filled Christianity(00:02:33) - "Grieve Not the Holy Spirit"(00:04:00) - Evil Speaking in Romans 1(00:05:15) - Forgiveness Through Theory(00:11:59) - The corrosive power of unforgiveness(00:16:42) - Heal Me With unforgiveness(00:20:49) - Comments on Judgmental Speaking(00:25:44) - Evil Speaking in the Church(00:28:43) - What Made the Great Revival in China(00:34:16) - Speak Grace to Your Married Women(00:36:27) - Heal Your Body
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.