The Increase

Americans love to hear true stories of restored relationships and reconciled families. But did you know that reconciliation is at the very heart of the gospel message? What is reconciliation all about, and how did God accomplish it for your benefit and blessing? 

*GUEST SPEAKER*  On the final Sunday of the year, we heard a powerful and personal message from our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline, who shared relevant insights from Galatians chapter 5 on how Christians can say ‘no’ to the passions of the flesh, while saying ‘yes’ to the influence of the Holy Spirit. How can you experience a deeper and more impactful relationship with Jesus in 2025?  

When Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus into the Temple to complete their sacrifices as Jewish parents, they were approached by Simeon, a man whom God promised wouldn’t die until he laid his eyes on the promised Messiah. 

As we study Simeon’s story, what applications can be made from his life to your life? What can you learn from Simeon about finishing strong in your Christian life journey? (Blue Collar Christmas, part 4. Conclusion)  

On the night Jesus arrived on earth, the good news wasn’t announced to the Caesar of the Roman Empire or the religious elites of Israel. Instead, God delivered to the message to blue-collar shepherds working the night shift outside of Bethlehem. What does this famous Bible text teach us about the kind of people God uses to accomplish His purposes? What can God do with a person like you? (Blue Collar Christmas, part 3)

When God was ready to send His special Son to earth, He selected an ordinary, blue-collar girl from Nazareth named Mary to be His mother. How did Mary prove herself to be a hero of faith, and what insights can we learn from her for our own Christian lives in the present?  (Blue Collar Christmas, part 2)

When God arranged for Jesus’ arrival on earth, He didn’t use rich kings, gifted scholars, or powerful influencers. Instead, God enlisted ordinary, blue-collar people. When we meet Joseph, a blue-collar carpenter who would become Jesus’ earthly dad, how did Joseph prove he was the right man for the job? If God can use a regular guy like Joseph, what does that mean for someone like you?  (Blue Collar Christmas, part 1)

In Luke chapter 20, Jesus goes head-to-head with a delegation of national leaders, who are furious and want to know where Jesus got permission or the authority to do what He’s doing. But while they wanted to pressure Jesus— it was Jesus who pressured them. How does Jesus defend His authority and defeat these religious elites? What can you learn from this event for your Christian life today?  (Face Value, Conclusion)

Americans enjoy watching movies and TV shows that depict the life of mobsters and mafia crime families. But did you know that Jesus once met a first-century mobster who was known as a rich and powerful swindler? What if I told you Jesus changed his life?  What shocking surprises unfolded during this face-to-face meeting, and what can you learn from this for your life today? (Face Value, part 5)

When we read the Gospels, nothing is more exciting than watching someone meet Jesus, and seeing their life change dramatically. But in Luke chapter 18, a rich young ruler meets Jesus, but goes away worse than when he came. How did this happen? What shocking realities did Jesus reveal to this young man, and what can we learn and apply to our lives today? (Face Value, part 4)

Most of us understand the comparison words “good, better, and best." When Jesus enjoyed a delicious dinner hosted by two sisters in Luke chapter 10, what did He teach them about what’s truly best in life? What priority should Jesus be in your everyday experience? (Face Value, part 3)