The Increase

Experts are telling us that Americans are passionate for smoothie drinks—to the tune of 4 billion dollars last year in the pursuit of healthy bodies. In the same way that a smoothie is full of proteins, fruits, and vegetables, what are the essential ingredients that can lead to a healthy and vibrant local church? Which vital ingredients can you add to the recipe?  (James: Faith in the Real World, part 8) 

Out of all the ways you’d want to get your church’s name out into your community, a giant fight in the middle of Sunday morning worship isn’t one of them.  But sadly, this kind of thing happens from time to time in churches and it's always heartbreaking. How do churches go from loving Jesus one minute to throwing punches the next? Where does the breakdown happen?  (James, part 7)

The New Testament teaches that are only two kinds of wisdom in this world— which means you and I are either being directed by the truth of heaven or the forces of hell.  What important insights does James reveal about these two kinds of wisdom, and how can you be sure to lean into the right one? (James, part 6)

*Guest Speaker* Many churches have heard messages on the closing section of Proverbs 31, but the opening of that famous chapter is filled with wisdom from a wise mother to a godly king.  What insights of wisdom do you need to a have a life that impacts others and honors God?   Mother's Day 2024 (Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline) 

Did you know that just behind your lips lives a savage beast— that’s tough to tame?  It’s your tongue, and James has much to say on the connection between your everyday words and your Christian testimony. What does the Bible say about the things that you say?    (James, part 5)

All of us know people who claim to be a Christian, but sadly their everyday lives show no evidence of Christ-honoring behavior. What are we to make of such people? Is their faith alive or dead? How can you spot a fake faith? (James, part 4)    

Have you ever been on the wrong end of unfair treatment, bias, or one-sided favoritism? Was someone treated better than you because of their money or last name? This kind of favoritism is common in a sinful, secular world, but something is really wrong when this kind of prejudice shows up inside the church. In James chapter two, what does James say about discrimination and favoritism in the church?  What are four reasons why favoritism is forbidden?  (James, part 3)

A wise person once said that “Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it.”  None of us are immune to challenges, adversities, and trials— even if we are devoted followers of Jesus. When life gets hard, God wants us to respond in right ways that build our faith and honor Him. If you want to experience the life that God desires of you, what are some everyday behaviors you should put into practice?  (James, part 2)

When difficulties or challenges come crashing into our lives, we can become discouraged or disillusioned, or sometimes even despairing that God has forsaken us. But the NT letter of James opens with incredible encouragement that God always has a purpose behind the pain. God often allows trials to come our way so our faith can be made better and stronger. How can you face trials without falling apart? What biblical wisdom do you need for that difficult chapter of your life? (James, part 1) 

When good things happen in our lives, sometimes we’ll say that we were fortunate or even “lucky” that things turned out that way. But that isn’t the case with Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection from the tomb wasn’t just nice, it was necessary. In fact, the NT says Jesus “must” rise again. As we search the Scriptures, what are five reasons why Jesus must rise again, and how do these reasons still impact us today? (Resurrection Sunday 2024)