Did you know that just behind your lips lives a savage beast— that’s tough to tame?  It’s your tongue, and James has much to say on the connection between your everyday words and your Christian testimony. What does the Bible say about the things that you say?    (James, part 5)

All of us know people who claim to be a Christian, but sadly their everyday lives show no evidence of Christ-honoring behavior. What are we to make of such people? Is their faith alive or dead? How can you spot a fake faith? (James, part 4)

Have you ever been on the wrong end of unfair treatment, bias, or one-sided favoritism? Was someone treated better than you because of their money or last name? This kind of favoritism is common in a sinful, secular world, but something is really wrong when this kind of prejudice shows up inside the church. In James chapter two, what does James say about discrimination and favoritism in the church?  What are four reasons why favoritism is forbidden?  (James, part 3)

A wise person once said that “Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it.”  None of us are immune to challenges, adversities, and trials— even if we are devoted followers of Jesus. When life gets hard, God wants us to respond in right ways that build our faith and honor Him. If you want to experience the life that God desires of you, what are some everyday behaviors you should put into practice?  (James, part 2)

When difficulties or challenges come crashing into our lives, we can become discouraged or disillusioned, or sometimes even despairing that God has forsaken us. But the NT letter of James opens with incredible encouragement that God always has a purpose behind the pain. God often allows trials to come our way so our faith can be made better and stronger. How can you face trials without falling apart? What biblical wisdom do you need for that difficult chapter of your life? (James, part 1)

When good things happen in our lives, sometimes we’ll say that we were fortunate or even “lucky” that things turned out that way. But that isn’t the case with Jesus’ resurrection. His resurrection from the tomb wasn’t just nice, it was necessary. In fact, the NT says Jesus “must” rise again. As we search the Scriptures, what are five reasons why Jesus must rise again, and how do these reasons still impact us today? (Resurrection Sunday 2024)

*GUEST SPEAKER* As part of our Palm Sunday Celebration, we heard a message from our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline on the significance of Jesus coming into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. In Mark chapter 11, we read how Jesus entered the city as the crowds celebrated and cheered his arrival.  Why did they shout “Hosanna” to Jesus, what happened over the next two days, and what does all this mean for your life in the here and now? (Palm Sunday 2024)

A recent survey revealed that 75% of Americans believe in God, with 63% of respondents self-identifying as Christians. But what actually makes a person a genuine Christian?  Is it only believing in God, attending church, owning a Bible, or thinking positively about Jesus?  Is it possible that many Americans have convinced themselves that they are a Christian, when in fact they are not? What are the three critical elements of genuine faith according to the Scriptures?

Three times in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gave His disciples explicit warnings about His impending arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. Unfortunately, the disciples struggled to digest the seriousness of these predictions. While they were focused on Jesus’ popularity and growing power, Jesus had His eyes fixed on the Cross. So as we step through these three predictions, what details does Jesus reveal, and what relevant applications can you make to your life in the here and now?

Election season 2024 is officially upon us, which means non-stop political ads on our phones, TV’s, and mailboxes. If one person tried to run for the offices of President, Congress, and Supreme Court at the same time, we’d laugh at such a notion—because America’s founding fathers created three separate branches of government to stop power from being abused. But when we study the Bible, Jesus fulfills all three offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. How is this possible, and why is it such good news for us in the here and now?

Every year in America, there are countless books, articles, and seminars that hope to help married couples live together in harmony. But what does the Bible prescribe for true marital fulfillment and satisfaction? How can you live with your spouse in an understanding way?  (Straight Talk, part 5)

In today’s world, many Christians singles have never heard or have never been taught God’s principles when it comes to relationships and sexual activity. What are some of the most urgent questions Christian singles are asking on this topic, and what are the relevant insights from God’s Word? (Straight Talk, part 4)

It only takes a brief look at modern America to see how far our marriage relationships have wandered from the biblical worldview. Is it any surprise that we’re drowning in divorces, broken homes, fractured families, hurting hearts— and every form of relationship disfunction?  Where has secular society gone so wrong?  What are the essential truths on marriage from God’s perspective?  (Straight Talk, part 3)

Today’s churches spend so much time exalting marriage that single people can start to feel like they are second-class Christians or that they have missed the mark with their lives. Is it a sin to be single? Is singleness a curse or a punishment? If a Christian stays single, is he or she destined to a lonely, unfulfilling, or miserable life? What encouraging truths do we uncover in the Bible on the subject of singleness?  (Straight Talk, part 2)

When McDonalds recently announced the return of the “Double Big Mac”, hamburger lovers rejoiced, but heart doctors cringed. There’s no doubt that many Americans will buy this burger, on account that it is their money, their life, and their choice. Interestingly enough, this is the very same approach that most Americans take toward sex and sexuality too.  But what heavenly wisdom has God shared with us on the subject of human sexuality? Is it only consent among adults that matters in the end, or does the Bible say something else?  (Straight Talk, part 1)

When you attended school, did you ever have a teacher who could truly unlock the secrets of history, math, or science?  Throughout the letter of Philippians, Paul unlocks amazing secrets on how you can experience the joy of Jesus in your everyday life— even in the midst of life’s challenges and adversities. Even as the letter draws to a close, Paul is still sharing incredible insights on Christian living. What secrets can stimulate your joy and spiritual growth?  (Blueprint for Joy, Conclusion)

Can you imagine a fist-fight breaking out in the middle of your Sunday church service? That’s what happened at a church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and sadly--- the brawl made national news. Internal strife and open conflicts are so harmful to the church’s testimony and the spread of the gospel, which is why the Bible continually calls us to protect our togetherness. In Philippians chapter 4, Paul gives similar advice to a group of Christians who needed to stand together.  What are five key behaviors that make for a fantastic church?  (Blueprint for Joy, part 12)

Did you hear the news about the fastest-selling item at Target last week? Women by the hundreds were lining up before dawn to get the latest pink Stanley mug. What’s so amazing about this story is how the pink mug went viral through contagious sharing over social media, texts, and emails. As we dig deeper into the Great Commission in Matthew 28, what are the five key components to sharing Jesus? How can you be contagious about sharing Jesus more in 2024?

*Guest Speaker* January 2024 is here, and that means a new year with new opportunities to exercise your faith and experience more of Jesus. This past Sunday, our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline shared an encouraging message from 1 Timothy 4 on what it means to pursue godliness. How can you make advances in your faith this new year?  What practical steps can lead you in that direction?

In John chapter 9, Jesus healed a man who was blind from birth, proving that He really is the Light of the World. But the religious leaders refused to believe it, even when the man went public with his story. As we study this mind-blowing miracle, what relevant lessons come into view for our lives in the here and now? How is Jesus still pushing back darkness today?   (Light of the World, Conclusion)