The Increase

Was there ever a time in your life when you wondered about the existence of God? While skeptics and scoffers deny the existence of God, there are actually solid proofs and reasonable evidences that confirm God’s existence to our minds and hearts. The truth is, you don’t have to reject your reason to believe in God!  So how can you know with certainty that God exists? 

Do you like to get your hands in the dirt and grow things—whether its tomatoes in your garden, flowers in your front yard, or plants inside your house?  It’s so rewarding to see things grow and flourish— not only physically, but spiritually too. If you’re a Christian who wants to experience greater growth in spiritual things, what factors can make it happen?

*GUEST SPEAKER*  On a recent Sunday, we heard an encouraging message from our great friend and former pastor, STEVE SHELDON, who directed us into Matthew chapter 5. Ask people what they think about today’s world and you’ll hear words like confusing, chaotic, or crazy. Some even describe it as dark.  So how can Christians make a difference for Jesus in today’s cultural climate?  (Rev. Steve Sheldon)

Since today’s world is marked by the denial of God, growing secularism, and open hostility toward Christianity, how can Christians make it through with joy and success?  What two practices can fill your life and your local church with power and spiritual productivity?  (James: Faith in the Real World, conclusion) 
 

In today’s broken world, all of us face challenges, hardships, and trials. Sometimes those trials are severe and incredibly painful. When horrible hardships are hitting you hard, what is the right way to respond while honoring Jesus?  What strategies can help you survive? (James, Faith in the Real World, part 11)
 

Does it ever discourage you that the rich and powerful seem to get away with everything? Will drug lords, human traffickers, and greedy business owners ever get what’s coming to them?  In James chapter 5, James calls out unrighteous rich people for their abusive behavior and talks about their judgment. Why is this encouraging news for people like you and me in the here and now?  (James: Faith in the Real World, part 10)
 

We just concluded an awesome week of Vacation Bible School featuring “The Great Jungle Journey." During our Grand Finale Sunday, Pastor Ryan Day shared a message on the “one story” of the Bible. Even though the Bible has 66 different books and a variety of genres, it really is just one story given by one God.  How can you better understand the flow of the Bible and what it’s really all about?  What is the “one story” of the Bible?  (VBS Grand Finale Sunday)
 

If we were honest, we’re often guilty of pushing ahead with our plans and forging ahead with future goals, with no thought given to God’s leadership over our lives. This is actually an ugly sin called presumption.  What does James say about how you can protect yourself from the sin of arrogant planning?  (James: Faith in the Real World, part 9)

As part of our Father's Day celebration, Pastor Day made a huge display of tools on the platform, and then he took five of the most popular hand tools to illustrate the kind of spiritual training that Dads need to be sharing with the next generation. Most Christian Dads have heard about Proverbs 22:6 and training up children in the way they should go. But what specific trainings should Dads be engaged in?  (Father's Day 2024) 

*Guest Speaker*  The book of Hebrews is one of the most powerful books of the New Testament.  It's there we learn that Jesus is better than all the parts and pieces of the Old Testament system.  In Jesus we have everything we need: forgiveness of sins, eternal life, a heavenly home, and a kingdom that cannot be shaken. What does all of this mean for your everyday life?  (Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline)