The Increase

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, and the power of God's purposes.  (Mother's Day 2025)

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? (The Life of Joseph: Pain and Purpose, part 2) 

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 heart even for those you find unlovable? 

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? How can providence bring reassurance to your everyday life? 

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?  (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 4)

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 motivates you and me to live each day in ways that honor Jesus. 

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)

In this new message series "Weapons of Our Warfare," we're taking a deeper look at the spiritual warfare that every Christian is engaged in, and all the spiritual resources and strategies that God has given us to achieve success.  Has anyone ever told you that the Christian life isn't a playground, but a battleground?  What do you need be successful in your daily spiritual warfare?  (Weapons of Our Warfare, part 1) 

Americans love to hear true stories of restored relationships and reconciled families. But did you know that reconciliation is at the very heart of the gospel message? What is reconciliation all about, and how did God accomplish it for your benefit and blessing? 

*GUEST SPEAKER*  On the final Sunday of the year, we heard a powerful and personal message from our Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline, who shared relevant insights from Galatians chapter 5 on how Christians can say ‘no' to the passions of the flesh, while saying ‘yes' to the influence of the Holy Spirit. How can you experience a deeper and more impactful relationship with Jesus in 2025?  

When Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus into the Temple to complete their sacrifices as Jewish parents, they were approached by Simeon, a man whom God promised wouldn't die until he laid his eyes on the promised Messiah. As we study Simeon's story, what applications can be made from his life to your life? What can you learn from Simeon about finishing strong in your Christian life journey? (Blue Collar Christmas, part 4. Conclusion)  

On the night Jesus arrived on earth, the good news wasn't announced to the Caesar of the Roman Empire or the religious elites of Israel. Instead, God delivered to the message to blue-collar shepherds working the night shift outside of Bethlehem. What does this famous Bible text teach us about the kind of people God uses to accomplish His purposes? What can God do with a person like you? (Blue Collar Christmas, part 3)

When God was ready to send His special Son to earth, He selected an ordinary, blue-collar girl from Nazareth named Mary to be His mother. How did Mary prove herself to be a hero of faith, and what insights can we learn from her for our own Christian lives in the present?  (Blue Collar Christmas, part 2)

When God arranged for Jesus' arrival on earth, He didn't use rich kings, gifted scholars, or powerful influencers. Instead, God enlisted ordinary, blue-collar people. When we meet Joseph, a blue-collar carpenter who would become Jesus' earthly dad, how did Joseph prove he was the right man for the job? If God can use a regular guy like Joseph, what does that mean for someone like you?  (Blue Collar Christmas, part 1)

In Luke chapter 20, Jesus goes head-to-head with a delegation of national leaders, who are furious and want to know where Jesus got permission or the authority to do what He's doing. But while they wanted to pressure Jesus— it was Jesus who pressured them. How does Jesus defend His authority and defeat these religious elites? What can you learn from this event for your Christian life today?  (Face Value, Conclusion)

Americans enjoy watching movies and TV shows that depict the life of mobsters and mafia crime families. But did you know that Jesus once met a first-century mobster who was known as a rich and powerful swindler? What if I told you Jesus changed his life?  What shocking surprises unfolded during this face-to-face meeting, and what can you learn from this for your life today? (Face Value, part 5)

When we read the Gospels, nothing is more exciting than watching someone meet Jesus, and seeing their life change dramatically. But in Luke chapter 18, a rich young ruler meets Jesus, but goes away worse than when he came. How did this happen? What shocking realities did Jesus reveal to this young man, and what can we learn and apply to our lives today? (Face Value, part 4)

Most of us understand the comparison words “good, better, and best." When Jesus enjoyed a delicious dinner hosted by two sisters in Luke chapter 10, what did He teach them about what's truly best in life? What priority should Jesus be in your everyday experience? (Face Value, part 3)

*Guest Speaker*  As part our preparation for Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th, we invited Kurt Weaver to join us, the Director for Strategic Partnerships at Pennsylvania Family Institute in Harrisburg. As part of his ministry, Kurt interacts with law-makers at the Capitol— bridging the gap between church and state. Kurt shared a powerful message on why Christians must be involved in the civic processes of our country. If you are a Christian, what things should you be caring, praying, and voting about? Learn more at:  https://pafamily.org/

In Luke 7, a woman surprises Jesus by showing up unannounced at a fancy dinner. But how Jesus responded to her and the meal's host, is still being talked about today. What life lessons can you learn from this famous account about self-righteousness, humility, and having a heart for broken people? (Face Value, part 2)

In Luke chapter 5, Jesus performs an eye-popping miracle that nearly capsizes two fishing boats, after which he calls four fisherman to follow Him full-time. What can you learn from this event about following Jesus with your life? What should be your response when Jesus comes calling?  (Face Value, part 1)

All human beings struggle with lust and greed to some extent, but according to the Bible, the ultimate sin is pride. What valuable insights do you need to know about pride, and how God responds to proud people? (Sharp Rocks, part 5. Conclusion)

King David was a man after God's own heart, but his adulterous affair unleashed devastating consequences on his life. How can you avoid being wrecked by sexual lust— in a world where temptation appears on every TV, computer, and smartphone?  (Sharp Rocks, part 4)

*GUEST SPEAKER* Are you facing any personal challenges or difficulties right now, where you're desperate to experience change and get past the pain of the present?  What is the right strategy and the right mindset for reaching the other side?  *A Sunday message from Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline *

In Genesis chapter four, we read about the world's first murder— when Cain killed his brother Abel because of bitter jealousy. The hard truth is that jealousy, animosity, and violence aren't confined to the past. They continue to be a present problem, to which Christians aren't immune.  Three times the Bible speaks negatively about Cain, so how can you avoid the “way of Cain” in your life? (Sharp Rocks, part 3)**Program Note:  During this Sunday morning service our regular LiveStream recording did not function as normal, and we were forced to use a secondary audio source. **  

Today's secular world is dominated by greed, but the desire to “get more” has been tempting people since ancient times. Have you ever heard the true story of Gehazi-- the servant of Elisha who destroyed his life because of greedy gain? What does God want you to know about the destructive power of greed? (Sharp Rocks, part 2)

In this message series, we'll look at five of the sharpest sins that can disrupt and destabilize your Christian life. Moses was a legendary leader in the Old Testament, but he crashed on the sharp rock of explosive anger.  How did sinful anger lead to Moses' undoing, and how can you avoid a similar shipwreck in your life?  (Sharp Rocks, part 1) 

As Americans, we've come to expect a wide variety of choices and options that cater to our preferences— whether we're eating in a restaurant or shopping in a store. We're not used to hearing the word “cannot”— and it usually frustrates us when we do. But when the Bible teaches us about the things that God cannot do, it doesn't stir up frustration or disappointment, but genuine celebration! So what is it that God cannot do?

Was there ever a time in your life when you wondered about the existence of God? While skeptics and scoffers deny the existence of God, there are actually solid proofs and reasonable evidences that confirm God's existence to our minds and hearts. The truth is, you don't have to reject your reason to believe in God!  So how can you know with certainty that God exists? 

Do you like to get your hands in the dirt and grow things—whether its tomatoes in your garden, flowers in your front yard, or plants inside your house?  It's so rewarding to see things grow and flourish— not only physically, but spiritually too. If you're a Christian who wants to experience greater growth in spiritual things, what factors can make it happen?

*GUEST SPEAKER*  On a recent Sunday, we heard an encouraging message from our great friend and former pastor, STEVE SHELDON, who directed us into Matthew chapter 5. Ask people what they think about today's world and you'll hear words like confusing, chaotic, or crazy. Some even describe it as dark.  So how can Christians make a difference for Jesus in today's cultural climate?  (Rev. Steve Sheldon)

Since today's world is marked by the denial of God, growing secularism, and open hostility toward Christianity, how can Christians make it through with joy and success?  What two practices can fill your life and your local church with power and spiritual productivity?  (James: Faith in the Real World, conclusion)  

In today's broken world, all of us face challenges, hardships, and trials. Sometimes those trials are severe and incredibly painful. When horrible hardships are hitting you hard, what is the right way to respond while honoring Jesus?  What strategies can help you survive? (James, Faith in the Real World, part 11) 

Does it ever discourage you that the rich and powerful seem to get away with everything? Will drug lords, human traffickers, and greedy business owners ever get what's coming to them?  In James chapter 5, James calls out unrighteous rich people for their abusive behavior and talks about their judgment. Why is this encouraging news for people like you and me in the here and now?  (James: Faith in the Real World, part 10) 

We just concluded an awesome week of Vacation Bible School featuring “The Great Jungle Journey." During our Grand Finale Sunday, Pastor Ryan Day shared a message on the “one story” of the Bible. Even though the Bible has 66 different books and a variety of genres, it really is just one story given by one God.  How can you better understand the flow of the Bible and what it's really all about?  What is the “one story” of the Bible?  (VBS Grand Finale Sunday) 

If we were honest, we're often guilty of pushing ahead with our plans and forging ahead with future goals, with no thought given to God's leadership over our lives. This is actually an ugly sin called presumption.  What does James say about how you can protect yourself from the sin of arrogant planning?  (James: Faith in the Real World, part 9)

As part of our Father's Day celebration, Pastor Day made a huge display of tools on the platform, and then he took five of the most popular hand tools to illustrate the kind of spiritual training that Dads need to be sharing with the next generation. Most Christian Dads have heard about Proverbs 22:6 and training up children in the way they should go. But what specific trainings should Dads be engaged in?  (Father's Day 2024) 

*Guest Speaker*  The book of Hebrews is one of the most powerful books of the New Testament.  It's there we learn that Jesus is better than all the parts and pieces of the Old Testament system.  In Jesus we have everything we need: forgiveness of sins, eternal life, a heavenly home, and a kingdom that cannot be shaken. What does all of this mean for your everyday life?  (Next-Gen Pastor Jared Carline) 

Experts are telling us that Americans are passionate for smoothie drinks—to the tune of 4 billion dollars last year in the pursuit of healthy bodies. In the same way that a smoothie is full of proteins, fruits, and vegetables, what are the essential ingredients that can lead to a healthy and vibrant local church? Which vital ingredients can you add to the recipe?  (James: Faith in the Real World, part 8)