The Increase

Joseph’s rise from the prison to the palace is one of the most shocking and sudden reversals of fortune in the entire Bible. But it wasn’t Joseph’s intelligence or charisma that led the way, but God’s mighty hand. As we study this section of Joseph’s biography, what encouraging insights can you learn about how God can work in your life?  (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 7)

You probably know the story of the Mayflower, the famous ship that came to America. But you may not know that one of the passengers aboard the Mayflower nearly died after he fell overboard in a storm. But after he was rescued, his descendants became some of the most famous Americans in history. One biography really can change history, and that is certainly true of Jesus, the most important person...

There’s a legendary product in your grocery store that was developed by a dentist in New York state who was passionate for gospel missions. Because of his thriving business, he was able to direct thousands of dollars into evangelism and overseas missions. You don’t have to be a pastor or a full-time missionary to be involved in the mission of multiplying followers of Jesus. What are five actions y...

USA Today conducted a nationwide survey, asking their readers to share some of their fathers’  favorite sayings. Some sayings were humorous, while others were serious. But all of them were grounded in hard-earned experience and wisdom. In Proverbs chapter 1, King Solomon provides tremendous spiritual wisdom that is needed by people in every generation. If you’re a parent and a father in particular...

In Genesis 40, Joseph is joined in prison by two royal servants who were being punished by Pharaoh. As we watch Joseph interact with these men and the results that follow, what is the right way to persevere in a painful situation?  How should you respond when you’re waiting and uncertain? (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 6)

In Genesis 39, Joseph did the right thing by resisting the sexual advances of his boss’ wife. But instead of being apologized to, Joseph is accused of rape and sent to prison. This section of Joseph’s life reminds us that doing right isn’t always rewarded in a broken world. If you decide to serve Jesus faithfully with your life, what are the real risks of righteousness? (The Life of Joseph: Pain a...

In Genesis 39, Joseph faces his most daunting challenge yet, and that is resisting the bold sexual advances of his boss’ wife. When we study Joseph’s response, what strategies can you learn about defeating temptation in your life? How can you face down temptation successfully and come out the winner?  (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 4)

In Genesis 39, Joseph arrives in Egypt and is sold as a slave. But despite these challenging circumstances, God is orchestrating every step of Joseph’s story. What connections can be made from Joseph’s life to your life? Is your life just another random ride on a roller coaster?  What are four rock-solid realities that you can always count on? (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 3)   

GUEST SPEAKER: On Mother's Day 2025, we heard an encouraging message from our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline on the biography of Hannah.  Hannah’s story is a powerful example of trusting God’s faithfulness even when you’re hurting and in a holding pattern. Even if you aren’t a mother or a woman, the experience of Hannah provides valuable lessons for your life as it relates to pain, waiting, an...

Have you ever heard the true story of how “Wheaties” was invented? It’s a great reminder that sometimes awful things can turn into something awesome. Interestingly enough, that same principle is present in the life of Joseph. Awful things happen, but they aren’t accidental because God is accomplishing His good plans. What encouraging insights can you apply to your life when awful things happen? (T...

Joseph’s family struggled with fighting and favoritism, but thankfully God was still working his divine purposes in spite of that dysfunction. What destructive ingredients contributed to this dysfunctional family— and how can you avoid them for your own family?  (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 1)

In the same way that America wouldn’t exist without the arrival of the pilgrims, Christianity wouldn’t exist without the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. Without Jesus’ resurrection, Christianity collapses like a house of cards. What is it about the resurrection of Jesus that makes it the key to Christianity? What does it unlock for your everyday life?  (Easter Sunday 2025)

*GUEST SPEAKER*  Jesus came into Jerusalem riding a donkey in Matthew chapter 21, but He wasn’t there to satisfy people’s selfish expectations. What profound insights become clear in Jesus’ dramatic entrance, and what relevant lessons can you apply from this event to your life right now? You'll be encouraged and challenged by this message from Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline.  (Palm Sunday 2025...

In chapter 14 of his gospel, Mark assembles three stories in a row to show a shocking contrast of the way Jesus was treated. While the religious elites and Judas Iscariot wanted Jesus captured and eliminated, Mary worshipped Jesus with overflowing love and the most expensive perfume. How does this shocking drama unfold, and what relevant applications can you make to your life today? 

*GUEST SPEAKER*  On Sunday, March 30th, our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline shared a message with our church family from Jonah chapter 1 on the way that God reaches and loves the unlovable.  If we were honest, we would all admit that there are people in this world that we really don’t like, and it pains us to think about sharing Jesus with them. How can you move past the hostility, and develop a hea...

Did you know that millions of Americans believe that their lives are being directed by the random forces of luck, fate, fortune, or chance? But the Bible teaches that God is personally and purposefully bringing guidance and governance to His universe. This is a great biblical doctrine we call “providence”.  What is providence all about, and why is it so comforting to Christians like you and me? Ho...

Even though John 3:16 is one of the most famous verses in the Bible, it still remains a mystery to millions of people. What are the deep, life-changing truths revealed in this single verse of Scripture? How does this verse still apply to your life today?  ( 3:16 on 3/16 Celebration Sunday )

With all of the "armor of God" in place, only one thing remains for the Christian to taste victory, and that is energetic prayer.  If you want to experience wins in warfare, how should you pray?  How can you be energized for the battle?  (Weapons of Our Warfare, Conclusion) 

The armor of God is an important study for every Christian, because God wants you to know how to stand firm in spiritual warfare.  Out of all the equipment listed, the sword of Scripture is your only offensive weapon.  But how are you supposed to wield this sword from day to day?  What are some of the critical combat maneuvers you need to know? (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 7)

In every generation of history, soldiers have been equipped with helmets, because military leaders understand that when the head goes down, the body follows.  What helmet has God provided for you, so that you can stand firm in the heat of the battle? What do you need to know about this helmet and how to wear it successfully?  (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 6)

Did you hear the true story about the Colorado man whose stainless steel necklace shielded him from a deadly bullet?  How can you stay protected as a Christian, when Satan targets you with his flaming arrows?  How can faith be your shield of safety? (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 5)

Back in October, the last K-Mart Store in America closed its doors for good, and no one was more happy about that than our lead pastor. You see, it was some cheap Kmart shoes that ruined Pastor Ryan's summer camp back in 1986. What does his shoe story have to do with the shoes that appear as part of the armor of God? What does the right footwear have to do with your daily spiritual battles? ...

Today’s police officers and soldiers wear ballistics vests and body armor for protection, in the same way that ancient soldiers wore bronze breastplates.  In Ephesians 6, the Bible says that God has given every Christian a breastplate of righteousness.  What is this armor all about, and why do you need righteousness to stand firm in your daily battles? (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 3)

GUEST SPEAKER:  On January 26th, our congregation enjoyed an encouraging message from Pastor Steve Sheldon. Pastor Steve is a beloved former pastor at Wrightsdale, and now he serves as a coach and consultant for pastors through the Baptist Resource Network . ( brnunited.org ) On Sunday, Pastor Steve took us to Philippians 2 to consider one of the famous songs of the New Testament, and how it motiv...

In the same way every Roman soldier was outfitted for battle, every Christian begins his/her outfitting with the belt of truth. Why is truth so important for every Christian? How can you get strapped in tight with the guiding force of God’s truth? (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 2)