Author Archives: Mark Cole

About Mark Cole

Jesus follower, Husband, Father, Worship Leader, Writer, Pastor, Church Consultant, Founding Arranger for Praisecharts.com, squash & tennis player, blogger & outdoor enthusiast.. (biking, hiking, skiing). Twitter: @MarkMCole Facebook: mmcole

When Will Jesus Return?

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Mark Cole

The second coming of Jesus is one of the most anticipated events in Christian faith. Many wonder about the timing and details of His return. While Jesus did not give a specific date, He shared significant insights that help us … Continue reading →

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Lessons from Abraham’s Test of Faith

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Mark Cole

The story of Abraham’s test in Genesis 22 is one of the most profound and challenging passages in Scripture. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his promised son, Isaac, on Mount Moriah. This test was not only a trial of Abraham’s … Continue reading →

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Heeding Solomon’s Warnings About Adultery

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Mark Cole

The Book of Proverbs, penned largely by King Solomon, is a treasure trove of wisdom designed to guide us through life. Among its many themes, Solomon devotes significant attention to warnings about adultery and the seductive woman. These passages, particularly found in Proverbs 2, 5, 6, and 7, serve as both a stark warning and a call to live a life of integrity. But why does Solomon emphasize this subject so much, and why should we heed his counsel today? Let’s explore the timeless importance of these warnings. Continue reading →

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Leading from Your Life Message

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Mark Cole

Whether you are a pastor, a worship leader, a teacher, or a businessperson, your life message is the unique story God has written on your heart. For me, it’s about trusting Him and encouraging others to do the same. People are not just impacted by our words but by the consistency of our lives. When we live out what we preach, our message carries weight and authenticity. Continue reading →

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Guide to Fasting and Seeking God

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Mark Cole

Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God, aligning our hearts with His will. If you’re planning to dedicate a number of days to fasting and seeking the Lord, this guide provides practical steps to make the most of this sacred time. Continue reading →

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Be Perfect, as Your Father in Heaven is Perfect: What Did Jesus Mean?

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Mark Cole

In Matthew 5:48, Jesus says, “But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NLT). At first glance, this statement can feel overwhelming. Is Jesus really asking us to achieve sinless perfection? Let’s explore the deeper meaning behind His words and how they apply to our lives today. Continue reading →

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Learning To Shine Brighter

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Mark Cole

rightens into the full brilliance of day? It’s a breathtaking transformation, and it’s the perfect metaphor for the journey of the righteous found in Proverbs 4:18:

“The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.”

This verse paints a vivid picture of what it means to live a life aligned with God’s ways—a life that grows increasingly radiant as we walk with Him. Let’s unpack this promise and explore how we can live it out. Continue reading →

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Lessons from the Temptations of Jesus: Overcoming Life’s Challenges as Believers

Posted on January 4, 2025 by Mark Cole

In Matthew 4, we read the account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. After fasting for forty days and nights, Jesus faced three distinct temptations from Satan. Each one was an attempt to derail His mission and test His identity as the Son of God. Jesus’ response to these challenges provides us with powerful lessons about standing firm in faith and overcoming temptations in our own lives. Continue reading →

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My Top Worship Songs for 2025

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Mark Cole

Picking great songs for your congregation and worship band is one of the most important tasks of a worship leader. Great songs have a sense of God’s Spirit on them. Great worship songs make you want to sing them again and again. Great songs cause your spirit to rise in worship to the Lord. Continue reading →

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The Five Women in the Genealogy of Jesus

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Mark Cole

The genealogy of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:1–17), is more than just a list of names. It’s a tapestry of God’s redemptive plan, woven with the lives of unexpected and extraordinary individuals. Among them are five remarkable women whose inclusion breaks cultural norms and speaks volumes about God’s grace, inclusivity, and sovereignty. Let’s explore their stories and their significance in the lineage of Christ. Continue reading →

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