The Increase

*GUEST SPEAKER* As part of our Palm Sunday Celebration, we heard a message from our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline on the significance of Jesus coming into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. In Mark chapter 11, we read how Jesus entered the city as the crowds celebrated and cheered his arrival.  Why did they shout “Hosanna” to Jesus, what happened over the next two days, and what does all this mean for your life in the here and now? (Palm Sunday 2024)

A recent survey revealed that 75% of Americans believe in God, with 63% of respondents self-identifying as Christians. But what actually makes a person a genuine Christian?  Is it only believing in God, attending church, owning a Bible, or thinking positively about Jesus?  Is it possible that many Americans have convinced themselves that they are a Christian, when in fact they are not? What are the three critical elements of genuine faith according to the Scriptures? 

Three times in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave His disciples explicit warnings about His impending arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. Unfortunately, the disciples struggled to digest the seriousness of these predictions. While they were focused on Jesus’ popularity and growing power, Jesus had His eyes fixed on the Cross. So as we step through these three predictions, what details does Jesus reveal, and what relevant applications can you make to your life in the here and now?   

Election season 2024 is officially upon us, which means non-stop political ads on our phones, TV’s, and mailboxes. If one person tried to run for the offices of President, Congress, and Supreme Court at the same time, we’d laugh at such a notion—because America’s founding fathers created three separate branches of government to stop power from being abused. But when we study the Bible, Jesus fulfills all three offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. How is this possible, and why is it such good news for us in the here and now?

Every year in America, there are countless books, articles, and seminars that hope to help married couples live together in harmony. But what does the Bible prescribe for true marital fulfillment and satisfaction? How can you live with your spouse in an understanding way?  (Straight Talk, part 5)

In today’s world, many Christians singles have never heard or have never been taught God’s principles when it comes to relationships and sexual activity. What are some of the most urgent questions Christian singles are asking on this topic, and what are the relevant insights from God’s Word? (Straight Talk, part 4)

It only takes a brief look at modern America to see how far our marriage relationships have wandered from the biblical worldview. Is it any surprise that we’re drowning in divorces, broken homes, fractured families, hurting hearts— and every form of relationship disfunction?  Where has secular society gone so wrong?  What are the essential truths on marriage from God’s perspective?  (Straight Talk, part 3)

Today’s churches spend so much time exalting marriage that single people can start to feel like they are second-class Christians or that they have missed the mark with their lives. Is it a sin to be single? Is singleness a curse or a punishment? If a Christian stays single, is he or she destined to a lonely, unfulfilling, or miserable life? What encouraging truths do we uncover in the Bible on the subject of singleness?  (Straight Talk, part 2)

When McDonalds recently announced the return of the “Double Big Mac”, hamburger lovers rejoiced, but heart doctors cringed. There’s no doubt that many Americans will buy this burger, on account that it is their money, their life, and their choice. Interestingly enough, this is the very same approach that most Americans take toward sex and sexuality too.  But what heavenly wisdom has God shared with us on the subject of human sexuality? Is it only consent among adults that matters in the end, or does the Bible say something else?  (Straight Talk, part 1)

When you attended school, did you ever have a teacher who could truly unlock the secrets of history, math, or science?  Throughout the letter of Philippians, Paul unlocks amazing secrets on how you can experience the joy of Jesus in your everyday life— even in the midst of life’s challenges and adversities. Even as the letter draws to a close, Paul is still sharing incredible insights on Christian living. What secrets can stimulate your joy and spiritual growth?  (Blueprint for Joy, Conclusion)