The Increase

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 u...

In June 2022, the pro-life cause won a major victory when the Supreme Court ruled that Roe vs. Wade was unconstitutional. But even with that major decision, abortion still dominates the American culture. So what do the Scriptures say about the abortion issue? What realities do we discover about God’s sovereignty over all human life?  (Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2022)

Three angry accusations were spoken against Jesus as He hung on the cross. The surprising thing is that none of these accusations were true. In fact, the great irony of these accusations is that the exact opposite was true. So what accusations did the religious elites make against Jesus? And since they spoke falsely, how does the truth about Jesus make us worship Him and celebrate Him all the more...

Despite all the stresses of His life and ministry, Jesus consistently made time to meet privately with God for prayer and personal reflection. As we think about this habit Christians call “devotions” or “quiet time”, why is it so critical for your Christian life? How can you have meaningful meetings with God? 

From the moment Jesus arrived, people either rejected Him or received Him.  How were these two responses put on display by King Herod and the traveling Magi, and what relevant applications can we make from this to our lives in the here and now? (The Name, Conclusion)

Many Christians are discouraged and frustrated about the darkness dominating our culture, but one of the famous Scriptures we read at Christmas tells us about the dawn of a new day, when Jesus will reign supreme.  What do you need to know this day to come, and the special names that Jesus will live out?  (The Name, part 3)

In Luke chapter 1, an angel visits Mary to tell her that she will conceive and give birth to a supernatural son. As she listens to the angel, Mary hears an amazing summary of who this son would be and what He would accomplish. So what do you need to know about this one named Jesus?  (The Name, part 2)

When the LORD came to Joseph in a dream in Matthew chapter one, what unique names did He reveal about this special son growing in Mary’s womb? Why does Jesus’ divine name and destiny still matter to us today?  (The Name, part 1)

Moses tried five different excuses after God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The humorous thing is that many Christians are still using them today when the LORD calls them to a service opportunity or a ministry assignment. How do we need to change our approach when the LORD gives us an opportunity to serve? What’s the right attitude to have? 

Have you ever noticed how the Thanksgiving holiday in America has neglected to give God a seat at the table? Most Americans are so obsessed with feasting and football that they’ve forgotten the true meaning of thanksgiving.  Why is the LORD worthy to receive our deepest gratitude? What are five reasons He is still deserving of our thanksgiving?  (Thanksgiving 2022)

Women don’t want to be labeled as a terrible cook or a bad housekeeper, and men don’t want to be known as a lazy worker or an absentee father. In the same way, churches don’t want to be known as dead or unfriendly. If you want to be commended by Jesus as a dynamic, obedient Christian, what qualities need to be developed in your life?  

Many Christians today feel stalled or stuck in their Christian life journey. In many cases, these Christians haven’t gone any further than weekend attendance at church. But Jesus wants to take us deeper and further in our relationship with Him.  What are five invitations that can bring true transformation and growth in your everyday life, starting today?  

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul described a painful ordeal that God allowed into his life. But through Paul’s weakness, Christ’s strength was made visible. Are you struggling with a painful situation or a difficult challenge? Are you feeling weak and worn out? How can you tap into God’s power for your situation?  (Upside Down World, part 4)

SESSION ONE: "Fight for the Family Conference" with Dr. Larry Anderson. In his opening message, Dr. Anderson explained that the family is still God’s plan. How can you have a strong family that follows after God and experiences His blessings?  What commitments will you need to make?  From Joshua 24.  (Fight for the Family Conference, Session 1) 

SESSION TWO: "Fight for the Family Conference" with Dr. Larry Anderson. In this second message, Dr. Anderson spoke an encouraging challenge to wives and mothers—to be the kind of women who are loving the right things in the right way. What insights do today’s women and moms need to embrace for a life of godly impact? From Proverbs 31. (Fight for the Family Conference, Session 2) 

SESSION THREE: "Fight for the Family Conference" with Dr. Larry Anderson. In his final message of the Conference, Dr. Anderson challenged men, husbands, and fathers to build our marriages and our families on the solid rock of God’s truth. What “four beams” will godly men use to strengthen their marriages and families?  How can you maintain a strong family when the storms blow and the flo...

In today’s world, people spend their days grabbing and grasping and gathering everything that they think will make a happy life. But in Matthew 10, Jesus says that “losing” one’s life for Him is the real way to “find” life. So how can you find real life? What will you need to lose along the way?  (Upside Down World, part 3)

In Mark 10, Jesus' disciples argued about which of them deserved to be the Vice Presidents in Jesus’ coming kingdom. But that’s when Jesus unleashed life-changing instruction on what true greatness really looks like.  So what is the path to true greatness, and how can you embrace it in your everyday life?  (Upside Down World, part 2)

While today’s world operates on things like experience, education, status, and seniority— God’s kingdom turns those accepted norms upside down.  In Matthew 20, Jesus told an amazing story of a landowner who shocked his workers with equally generous pay. What’s the truth behind this story, and what spiritual applications can you make to your life today? (Upside Down World, part 1)

In the very first verse of the Bible- Genesis 1:1- we discover a foundational truth that pushes back against six of the most dangerously dumb ideas that continue to circulate in today’s world.   Why is Genesis 1:1 so foundational to you making sense of the universe and finding meaning for your individual life?  What six dangerously dumb ideas are demolished by Genesis 1:1?  (Back to Church Sunday)

It's one of the most memorable moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry: He takes a water basin and a towel and begins to wash the disciples feet. This night in the Upper Room was so inspirational and so instructive. It has all the best elements of a small group setting— the same elements that Jesus wants you to experience today. So what are some of the best blessings that transpire in a small grou...

Many people today struggle with “approval addiction”, where they want to be liked, approved, and affirmed by everyone. But in John 15, Jesus explained that His followers should expect to  experience animosity, antagonism, and even anger. Why does secular society show such dislike for Christianity?  Why do you need to be prepared for the world’s hostility and hatred? (Jesus Says, part 3)

People gladly followed Jesus for the free food and the amazing physical healings, but when Jesus told the crowds that true followers must “ carry their own cross ”— this was shocking.  If you want to be a true disciple of Jesus, what bold demands does Jesus make of you? What are the actions of a true disciple?   (Jesus Says, part 2) 

When Jesus shocked people with a command to “...eat My flesh and drink My blood”, what did He really mean by that?  As we uncover the meaning of this hard saying, what are four marks of a genuine Christ-follower? What will it take for you to be a true follower of Jesus? (Jesus Says, part 1) 

Jesus concludes his legendary trilogy of stories with what some people have called the greatest story ever told— it’s the parable of the lost son.   As Jesus describes this unfolding drama, how does Jesus want us to feel about people who are still far from God? What is the right response for your life and mine? (Lost and Found, part 3)