The Increase

Did you hear the true story of the 2-year-old Arizona boy who was rescued to safety earlier this year by a shepherd-dog? Make no mistake, those shepherding instincts didn’t come through evolution— they came from a Creator God who is Himself the Ultimate Shepherd.  In Psalm 23, the Bible informs us and inspires us with the truth that the LORD is our shepherd. So what does the Shepherd provide, and...

When America’s “Founding Fathers” signed the Declaration of Independence, they knew there was going to be a great cost in breaking from Great Britain, but they didn’t shrink back from embracing that cost. In Luke 9, Jesus talks with three different men who didn’t understand the true cost of following Jesus. What are some of those costs, and how do they still exist today? How can fathers and grandf...

Today’s Christians need a reminder that America’s culture is not morally neutral. It’s working against God and His truth. And nowhere is that influence more evident than with our children and young people. Today’s culture wants to strip away their biblical values, reprogram them with worldly beliefs, and then assimilate them into the secular machine.   Looking back into history, Daniel and his thr...

Many people know that Martin Luther impacted Christian doctrine when he broke from the Roman Catholic Church. But did you know that Martin Luther also impacted Christian marriage?  Have you heard the story of how Luther helped 12 nuns escape the church, and how he married one of them?  In Ruth chapter four, the Bible tells us about another monumental marriage, and that was the union of Ruth and Bo...

Did you hear about the man who walked across Niagara Falls back in 2012? It was a daring, dramatic, and dangerous walk that was watched live by more than 500 million people.  In Ruth chapter three, the widow Ruth makes her own daring walk, when she goes to see Boaz in a secret midnight meeting. As we watch God’s hand moving in this story, what happens in the unfolding drama, and what insights can...

American television changed forever when a Cuban man and a red-haired woman met and then merged their professional careers in 1940. Their sitcom, “ I Love Lucy ” is still considered one of the greatest of all time.  In Ruth chapter 2, the widow Ruth meets a wealthy land-owner named Boaz. But because God is writing this story, their meeting isn’t chance at all. What encouraging insights can you unc...

Did you know that nearly 70% of people who are succeeding with their personal goals, careers, and families— attribute that success to their upbringing in a positive family environment? That statistic certainly underlines the tremendous impact of dads and moms.  One of the most godly moms in the Bible was a woman named Hannah—who would become the mom of the legendary prophet Samuel. What stands out...

How do you typically respond when life comes crashing down? Do you complain and sink into a season of despair, or do you turn to the LORD in confidence and trust?  In Ruth chapter one, Naomi returns to her home country after a decade of heavy hardships. What happened to this family, and where was God in all of it? How does God want you to respond when the walls come falling in on you? (The Book of...

On Sunday morning, we launched into a brand-new study of the Book of Ruth called “ Broken Pieces Made Beautiful. ”  Even though the story of Ruth is marked by famine, death, and heartbreak, God takes the broken pieces and writes a beautiful redemption story for His glory and His people’s good.  What kind of encouragement can you discover in the book of Ruth, when your life comes crashing down? Wha...

On Sunday, April 19th, our church participated in an extra-special “ Pulpit Swap Sunday ”, where I exchanged pulpits for the day with Dr. Terry Felton from Mason Dixon Baptist Church in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.  That morning, Pastor Felton spoke at Wrightsdale on the critical topic of pride, from 2 Kings chapter 14.  Why is pride so devastating and debilitating in the life of a Christian— and ho...

When Jesus redeems us, He gives us so much more than just the forgiveness of our sins. Of course, His death removes the negative penalties that we deserve—like God’s wrath and eternal punishment. But the Bible also teaches that through Christ, we now have many positive privileges and new honors granted to us.  So in addition to forgiveness, what else has come to you today because of Jesus Christ?...

Even though the opponents of Jesus were happy to see His execution, Jesus worked His greatest miracle on that first Resurrection Sunday, when He triumphed victoriously over death and the grave. As we study this world-shaking event, what power did Jesus display at His resurrection? And what does this power mean for your life in the here and now? ( The Hour Has Come , part 3. Conclusion) 

There’s no doubt that Jesus was one of the most misunderstood people in history, and nowhere was that more evident than the Sunday He entered Jerusalem on a donkey. This was a day filled with misplaced expectations and serious misunderstandings. What did the cheering crowd fail to understand that day? How are people today still misunderstanding Jesus? (The Hour Has Come, part 2)

After the resurrection of Lazarus, the religious leaders reach a breaking point and hold a meeting to decide what to do about Jesus. What do these leaders discuss? What is their plan to stop Jesus? What vital lessons can you learn about the evil plans of people and God’s eternal purposes?  (The Hour Has Come, part 1)

In Revelation 3, Jesus called out the church at Laodicea for their complacency, lukewarmness, and total ineffectiveness. As we listen to Jesus rebuke lukewarm believers, what is most needed by complacent Christians in today’s world?  How can you avoid settling into a complacent, comfortable Christianity that serves self instead of the Savior? (Seven Letters, part 8- Conclusion)

On Sundays at Wrightsdale we’ve been in a message series called “7 Letters”, where we’re examining Jesus’ words to seven churches of the NT era. The church at ancient Philadelphia received no corrections from Jesus, but only commendations-- because of their faithfulness. What does it mean to be a faithful church? How can you make sure that your church is remaining faithful in an age of corruption...

While some churches receive commendation in Revelation 2-3, one church gets a harsh critique for being “dead.”  What does a dead church look like, and is there any hope of reviving one?  What can you learn about diagnosing spiritual disease in a dead or dying church?  (Seven Letters, part 6)

In Revelation 2-3, Jesus speaks candidly to seven churches of the ancient world. Can you imagine a church congregation looking the other way when public, persistent sin was happening in their midst? Is your church supposed to be tolerant at any cost? What would Jesus say to a negligent church that continues to tolerate sin? (Seven Letters, part 5)

Did you know that one of the greatest threats to the church is cultural compromise? What is at the heart of compromise, and what does it look like for the church in America? What does Jesus have to say to a church caught in the web of cultural compromise?  (Seven Letters, part 4)

The second church that Jesus addressed was the ancient church at Smyrna, where Christians were suffering under intense persecution for their faith.   When the church of Jesus is under assault, and Christians are paying the price, what does Jesus say? Where are we starting to see pressure against the church in today’s world? How can you find the strength to stand firm? (Seven Letters, part 3)

Even though these were ancient letters to ancient churches, they are still very relevant to our churches today. Is it possible that your church is so busy doing ministry and defending doctrine that it’s forgetting the supreme motivation? Could your church be losing its love for Jesus? (Seven Letters, part 2)

On Sunday morning, we launched into an exciting new message series called “Seven Letters”  where we’ll take a deeper look at what Jesus had to say to seven churches of Revelation— both where they were succeeding and where they were slacking. What Jesus says to these seven churches still has tremendous relevance and practical application to every church in every generation. So who is the One speaki...

On Sunday, January 11th, our Lead Pastor Ryan Day brought a dynamic message for the official ordination of our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline.  Jared received a personal challenge from God’s Word about what it takes to be successful in ministry. But the message also featured a powerful challenge for every Christian on the subject of God’s calling. What are the three kinds of calling that God is sti...

*Guest Speaker* God wants you to be confident about the immense love He has for you, but sadly many of us get tripped up by common obstacles in our thinking. What are some of the most common obstacles that keep us from growing closer to God and going forward for Him?  A message from our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline (New Year 2026). 

The night of Jesus’ birth was marked by peace and celebration—but soon enough the story turns to danger and threats of murder.  What three supernatural dreams does God use to protect the child Jesus and His family? How does God shield them from harm? And what relevant insights can you apply to your life from this dramatic section of Scripture? (Christmas Dreams, part 3: Conclusion)