The Increase

Let's step inside the empty tomb to uncover four shocking signs of a resurrection.  When you take a serious look at the evidence, there’s no denying that Jesus experienced a genuine, bodily resurrection. But what does the resurrection mean for your everyday life? What difference does it make for you in the here and now?  (Easter Sunday 2023)

Jesus made a ceremonial ride into Jerusalem on a  donkey’s colt as the crowds cheered and waved palm branches. Why was Jesus’ arrival on a donkey so unexpected, and what message was He trying to send?  Most important of all, what does this event mean for you and me in the present day?  How does it impact our lives right now?  (Palm Sunday 2023)

Have you ever noticed how sons and daughters walk and talk like their parents? Just like children demonstrate the voice inflections or body language of their parents, Scripture says that Christians will demonstrate righteous lives that reflect their righteous Savior.  So what will your everyday life look like if you are truly in the family of Jesus?  (Authentic Christianity, part 8)

The Apostle John warns Christians that the secular world overflows with spiritual influencers pushing faulty ideas about Jesus and spiritual life.  Why are false teachers so dangerous, and what active steps can you take to avoid their deceptions? How can you stay aligned with authentic Christianity?  (Authentic Christianity, part 7)

In chapter 2, the Apostle John challenges Christians not to love the world or the things in the world. But what does that mean exactly?  What is it about today’s secular world that threatens our spiritual life and effectiveness? Why is it not a good look for Christians to emulate a secular culture?  (Authentic Christianity, part 6)

In the middle of chapter two, the Apostle John highlights the three categories of spiritual development that all Christians progress through. Then he encourages Christians with dynamic truths that can help them keep growing.  So in which category of spiritual development do you find yourself today? What might be your next step of growth as a Christian?  (Authentic Christianity, part 6)

In chapter 2, the apostle John reminds Christians that what authenticates our relationship with Jesus isn’t the size of our study Bibles, or the clothes we wear on Sundays— but the way we show genuine love for our fellow Christians.  So what will our everyday lives look like if we are truly carrying out Jesus “new” commandment of sincere love?   (Authentic Christianity, part 4)

There are many Christians today who struggle with the assurance of their salvation. Do you have confidence about your salvation, or do you struggle with doubts? How can a person really “know” for sure that they know Jesus genuinely? What are some of the real-life marks that proves a person knows Jesus?   (Authentic Christianity, part 3)

In a secular world that swirls with spiritual error and the darkness of sin, John reminds believers in Jesus that we are supposed to believe the truth and walk in the light, just as God Himself is in the light. So what will our everyday lives look like if we are truly living in the light of Christ?  (Authentic Christianity, part 2)

At the end of the 1st century, the Apostle John was the wise, old apostle that Christians loved and trusted. As faulty ideas about Jesus and other doctrines began to appear, John wrote a powerful letter calling believers to hold fast to the beliefs and behaviors that align with true Christianity. As we examine John’s opening words, what does he affirm about Jesus, and why does it still matter to us today?  (Authentic Christianity, part 1)