We hold the world's instant knowledge in the palm of our hands. With a constant bombardment of negative news from around the globe, it's easy to feel as if the world is spiraling out of control. So how do we respond in these circumstances, and what does the Bible say about all of this?

The Bible is the most widely circulated and most persecuted literary work in the world today, and the more effort is put toward reducing its influence, the more its reach grows. Ultimately, the question is: why is there so much attention on the Bible specifically, and how can we know if it is true?

Every conversation seems to follow a similar pattern: a discussion of how tired and worn out we all are. Worse, we've become so accustomed to it that it's almost a badge of honor to be... exhausted. But there is a better option!

Our culture has more information, technology, comfort, and choices than ever, yet people still wrestle with anxiety, loneliness, despair, and a lack of meaning. We keep looking everywhere for answers—on social media, in politics, to celebrities, to AI, and in self-help—but God has already spoken.

As a new school year begins, we pause to hear words of encouragement from some of our kids and youth team and to share in a time of communion.

Information is coming at us so quickly and from so many directions that before we continually consume what's new, we must slow down and make sure we are truly processing what we have learned and allowing it to impact our lives. This week, several of our staff members sit down to discuss what they personally gained from "Experience Summer" and the book of James.

One of the many hidden gems of the Smoky Mountains is Iron Mountain Sporting Clays. But if you're into shooting, this is a must-visit destination. But it goes beyond just a day of shooting; this experience can quickly teach you some important life lessons and have a profound impact on how we live our spiritual lives.

Perhaps one of the best ways to experience the Smoky Mountains is to venture into the National Park and go trout fishing. It is a great opportunity not only to be out in nature but also to learn many lessons that we can apply to our spiritual lives by learning to fish.

This week, our Summer adventures take us on a really fun and unique experience. But like life, we quickly found ourselves moving downhill at a rapid pace, and without correction, we were heading for disaster.

This week, as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday, we celebrate our freedom as Americans, but most importantly, our freedom in Christ.