The Increase

Can you imagine a fist-fight breaking out in the middle of your Sunday church service? That’s what happened at a church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and sadly--- the brawl made national news. Internal strife and open conflicts are so harmful to the church’s testimony and the spread of the gospel, which is why the Bible continually calls us to protect our togetherness. In Philippians chapter 4, Paul gives similar advice to a group of Christians who needed to stand together.  What are five key behaviors that make for a fantastic church?  (Blueprint for Joy, part 12)

Did you hear the news about the fastest-selling item at Target last week? Women by the hundreds were lining up before dawn to get the latest pink Stanley mug. What’s so amazing about this story is how the pink mug went viral through contagious sharing over social media, texts, and emails. As we dig deeper into the Great Commission in Matthew 28, what are the five key components to sharing Jesus? How can you be contagious about sharing Jesus more in 2024? 

*Guest Speaker* January 2024 is here, and that means a new year with new opportunities to exercise your faith and experience more of Jesus. This past Sunday, our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline shared an encouraging message from 1 Timothy 4 on what it means to pursue godliness. How can you make advances in your faith this new year?  What practical steps can lead you in that direction?  

In John chapter 9, Jesus healed a man who was blind from birth, proving that He really is the Light of the World. But the religious leaders refused to believe it, even when the man went public with his story. As we study this mind-blowing miracle, what relevant lessons come into view for our lives in the here and now? How is Jesus still pushing back darkness today?   (Light of the World, Conclusion)

In John chapter 8, Jesus spoke up during a national night-time celebration and declared himself to be the Light of the World. What did Jesus mean by this, and why is His declaration still relevant for our lives today? What does Jesus offer to people like us who are surrounded by moral, intellectual, and spiritual darkness? (Light of the World, part 3) 

Christmas is all about Jesus, but what if I told you that Jesus’ beginning wasn’t in Bethlehem’s manger— or even Mary’s womb?  In John chapter 1, the Bible points us back to the beginning of beginnings, where Jesus existed in eternity past. What else does this famous passage of Scripture reveal about Jesus’ true identity? What does it mean for us that Jesus is “life” and "light”?   (Light of the World, part 2)

If you asked the average Christian about the good news of a Savior, they would probably point you to the Gospels, where we read about Jesus’ birth. But the first rays of gospel light actually started in Genesis 3, immediately following the rebellion of Adam and Eve.  What do we learn there about this Savior to come, and why is that first light still good news for us today?  (Light of the World, part 1)

Christians are more than just citizens of an earthly nation— we are citizens of heaven! Since that is true, then we should believe and behave accordingly with our everyday lives. So what are three everyday practices you should live out as a citizen of heaven? (Blueprint for Joy, part 11) 

In chapter 3, Paul explains that he isn’t satisfied with his present spiritual condition. Just like a highly-trained athlete, Paul wanted to go further and lay his hands on the ultimate prize. As we digest this Scripture, what will it take for you to experience similar spiritual growth and gains? What practical goals must you embrace for yourself? (Blueprint for Joy, part 10)

In Philippians chapter three, the Apostle Paul decided that nothing on earth could compare to the value and worth of knowing Jesus. When you let go of earthly treasures and religious efforts— and exercise genuine faith in Christ alone— what is it exactly that you stand to gain? (Blueprint for Joy, part 9)