The Increase

*Guest Speaker*  In Acts 8, God directed Philip into the path of an Ethopian man, and Philip was instrumental in leading that man to faith in Jesus. How can God use you to share the message of salvation to people in your circles of influence? How does your heart need to be impacted before you impact others?  (Acts 8:26-40 - Pastor Jared Carline)

*Guest Speaker*  During a recent weekend service, our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline spoke from Acts chapter 8 in a message entitled “Joy in the Midst of Trials”.  Are you struggling with a difficult situation or challenging season in your life?  What truths do you need to cling to when life’s troubles come?  (Acts 8:1-25)

School choice is one of the hottest issues of the day, especially in Christian circles.  What education is best suited for your child in today’s secular climate? Is it public school, Christian school, or perhaps homeschool?  What should Christian parents think about education and school choice?  (TRUTH & LOVE, conclusion)

The subject of immigration continues to be front and center in our world today, with some people saying "Build the wall higher", and others saying "Let everyone in without exception." But what should Christians say? How do we approach this complicated issue with truth and love?  (TRUTH & LOVE, part 4) 

Every Christian is engaged in the battle between darkness and light—truth and error.  Have you settled into a comfortable Christianity? Have you forgotten that the Christian life isn’t a playground, but a battleground?  What is true for you and every other Christian when it comes to this cosmic battle?   (VBS Finale Sunday: Keepers of the Kingdom)

Our nation is experiencing a transgender revolution, where heated battles over gender and sexuality are spilling over into board rooms, classrooms, court rooms, and locker rooms. As Christians, how can we see clearly through all the confusion and speak an answer that points broken people to the good news of Jesus Christ?  (TRUTH & LOVE, part 3) 

Ever since Genesis chapter 3, Satan has been a master of division— and one of his most powerful weapons is dividing people by race and skin color. What do we say about racism from a Christian worldview?  Why is the idea of racial superiority so wrong and so contrary to the gospel of Jesus?  (TRUTH & LOVE, part 2)

In today’s secular climate, some Christians think it’s time to “fight fire with fire”. With that strategy, you adopt whatever methods your opponent uses and give it right back to them. But does that approach align with the truth and temperament of Jesus?  How do you approach a culture that is swirling with moral chaos?  (TRUTH & LOVE, part 1)

In a world that overflows with dangerous doctrines, angry critics, and immoral lifestyles, even Christians can feel unsettled and uncertain.  At the close of John’s letter, he points to five certainties where Christians can stand confidently. How can you stand secure in a culture that’s filled with falsehoods and frauds?   (Authentic Christianity, part 13)

In today’s world, the self-help industry is a 10 billion dollar business, because Americans are desperate to know how to live better and be better. But what is the secret to a dynamic Christian life? Is it really a hidden secret that only some Christians can uncover?  (Authentic Christianity, part 12)

In today’s world, some people get frustrated or cynical when churches constantly talk about the subject of love. " Can’t we just do church without all this focus on love?"  they ask. The real question is, are they right?  Why is love so critical for our Christian lives and local churches? (Authentic Christianity, part 11)

There is encouragement, hope, and freedom for discouraged moms who are battling against Mom Guilt.  Mom Guilt is something that many of today’s moms wrestle with constantly. It's those overwhelming feelings of doubt, shame, and failure related to their performance as a mom. It’s a crushing accusation that says they’ll never be good enough. So how can moms throw off this terrible weight of gui...

With 90 years' worth of wins and successes in ministry, how does a church march forward into new experiences and new victories for Jesus?  It certainly doesn’t happen by being timid, fixated on the past, or satisfied with the status quo.  So what is the way forward for Wrightsdale? (A Vision-Casting Message: Wrightsdale 90th Anniversary)     

During a recent Youth Sunday, our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline shared an encouraging message from Philippians 3 on how you can keep moving forward in dynamic faith.  What will it take for you to press on with Jesus—where you experience increasing spiritual growth and dynamic results in relationship with Him?  (Youth Sunday 2023) 

Today’s secular world swirls with faulty ideas and dangerous ideologies. In fact, deception continues to be one of the devil’s most successful tactics. So how can you protect yourself from what isn’t true? What strategies can help you stand strong against spiritual deceptions?  ( Authentic Christianity , part 10)

In today’s fast-paced American culture, a lot of people try to “fake it till you make it” in their jobs and relationships. But you can’t fake genuine love for people— and that’s especially true when it comes to the love Jesus wants you to show toward fellow Christians.  So why is it so critical that you show genuine love to your fellow believers?  (Authentic Christianity, part 9)

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)