Anderson Hills

When experiencing the storms of life, there is power in numbers. First and foremost, we need to cling to Jesus. But in rough seas, we also need the encouragement and support of other Christian believers. We all react differently in times of trouble, but the gifts and strengths of others help us get through these times. When we are anchored in Jesus and remain united with each other, we can make it...

James asked his readers, “What sort of wisdom, earthly or heavenly, is guiding you?” Each of us wants to live a life that has the blessing of God upon it. In light of this desire, we would be well-served to know what kind of life God rewards. What is it that God is looking for as a place to bestow His favor? More simply stated, He is looking for those who will demonstrate His character and nature...

James asked his readers, “What sort of wisdom, earthly or heavenly, is guiding you?” Each of us wants to live a life that has the blessing of God upon it. In light of this desire, we would be well-served to know what kind of life God rewards. What is it that God is looking for as a place to bestow His favor? More simply stated, He is looking for those who will demonstrate His character and nature...

Can faith with no works save you? This question has been around for a long time. Works and faith have often been at the center of debate in the church. What exactly is necessary for salvation? It is a fundamental issue and one that James covers in detail. Just as words without action do not help people, neither does a professed faith in God mean that someone is truly saved. Your faith in the Lord...

Can faith with no works save you? This question has been around for a long time. Works and faith have often been at the center of debate in the church. What exactly is necessary for salvation? It is a fundamental issue and one that James covers in detail. Just as words without action do not help people, neither does a professed faith in God mean that someone is truly saved. Your faith in the Lord...

Favoritism is common in the world. The way James describes this issue means to elevate or exalt a person based on only external things such as appearance (skin color or race), wealth, gender, social status, or position. Favoritism is a sin that any person, any race, and any country can struggle with. And it is ugly wherever it rears its head. As Christians, we are called to live a life without fav...

Favoritism is common in the world. The way James describes this issue means to elevate or exalt a person based on only external things such as appearance (skin color or race), wealth, gender, social status, or position. Favoritism is a sin that any person, any race, and any country can struggle with. And it is ugly wherever it rears its head. As Christians, we are called to live a life without fav...

James is writing to religious people who have most likely grown up in the Jewish faith. They know God’s law. But James keeps pushing them to take the next step. Don’t just hear it, do it! Saying no to worldly temptation is a great start—God loves that—but He also loves that we walk in obedience to what He says. God requires both knowledge of and obedience to His Word. James encourages us to become...

James is writing to religious people who have most likely grown up in the Jewish faith. They know God’s law. But James keeps pushing them to take the next step. Don’t just hear it, do it! Saying no to worldly temptation is a great start—God loves that—but He also loves that we walk in obedience to what He says. God requires both knowledge of and obedience to His Word. James encourages us to become...

James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in their new Christian faith. Recognizing that there is a cost to following Jesus, he begins his letter by addressing the trials that come with the territory, and shares the truth about the temptations that arise in our lives. We will see that God uses the trials in our life to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. And that we need t...

James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in their new Christian faith. Recognizing that there is a cost to following Jesus, he begins his letter by addressing the trials that come with the territory, and shares the truth about the temptations that arise in our lives. We will see that God uses the trials in our life to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. And that we need t...

We’ve been talking about faith as a journey. On any journey, the logical question to ask is “Where are we going?” To what ultimate destination are we all heading? With this understanding, it changes your view of life here on earth. This world matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters. We look forward to having all of eternity to live how God created us—no sin, no separation from God. Perfe...

We’ve been talking about faith as a journey. On any journey, the logical question to ask is “Where are we going?” To what ultimate destination are we all heading? With this understanding, it changes your view of life here on earth. This world matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters. We look forward to having all of eternity to live how God created us—no sin, no separation from God. Perfe...

How do we handle it when our faith is tested? Can we ever really be sure of our salvation, or do we need to constantly be proving ourselves? This week we will look at the idea of being assured of our salvation, even in the midst of doubt and sin. We will come to understand believers can be assured that they are children of God by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, by faith in the promises of G...

How do we handle it when our faith is tested? Can we ever really be sure of our salvation, or do we need to constantly be proving ourselves? This week we will look at the idea of being assured of our salvation, even in the midst of doubt and sin. We will come to understand believers can be assured that they are children of God by the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, by faith in the promises of G...

This week we will focus on how Wesley described the means of grace and the process of sanctification. After becoming a child of God, believers begin to live in holiness through faith in Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that we do not drift towards holiness. What are the tools and trades God has given us to navigate this life? How do we sail on open water, aft...

This week we will focus on how Wesley described the means of grace and the process of sanctification. After becoming a child of God, believers begin to live in holiness through faith in Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We need to remember that we do not drift towards holiness. What are the tools and trades God has given us to navigate this life? How do we sail on open water, aft...

In response to the traditional belief of “Original Sin”, John Wesley used the terms “New Birth” and “Prevenient Grace” to help describe the beginning of a person’s faith journey. Since all of us begin our journey from this place, this describes the proverbial “starting line.” This week we will see that salvation is a gift from God and is available to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus as an ac...

In response to the traditional belief of “Original Sin”, John Wesley used the terms “New Birth” and “Prevenient Grace” to help describe the beginning of a person’s faith journey. Since all of us begin our journey from this place, this describes the proverbial “starting line.” This week we will see that salvation is a gift from God and is available to everyone who puts their faith in Jesus as an ac...

The third time Jesus takes bread into His hands, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it happens on the road to Emmaus. This time it is a moment of mission. Jesus is blessing bread to open the eyes of people who are disillusioned and downcast. In a way, this encounter shows that being blessed, broken, and given, is for the sake of the world—not just for ourselves, and not even just for the church. To...

The third time Jesus takes bread into His hands, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it happens on the road to Emmaus. This time it is a moment of mission. Jesus is blessing bread to open the eyes of people who are disillusioned and downcast. In a way, this encounter shows that being blessed, broken, and given, is for the sake of the world—not just for ourselves, and not even just for the church. To...

The second time Jesus takes bread into His hands, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it is at the Last Supper. The occasion is Passover, the feast which commemorates God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt and God’s judgment of evil. Passover is when God dealt with sin and evil. God delivered His people by providing a covering of blood over their sins. It is the perfect setting in which to talk about what...

The second time Jesus takes bread into His hands, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it is at the Last Supper. The occasion is Passover, the feast which commemorates God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt and God’s judgment of evil. Passover is when God dealt with sin and evil. God delivered His people by providing a covering of blood over their sins. It is the perfect setting in which to talk about what...

Being blessed is not a state—it’s a story. It’s an origin story. It’s the story of how you began and why. It’s the story of God the Creator calling you into being, on purpose and for a purpose. It’s the story of God taking delight in you and naming you as good and beautiful. It’s the story of God the Redeemer pursuing you, calling you, and returning you to whom He made you to be. The bread that Je...

Being blessed is not a state—it’s a story. It’s an origin story. It’s the story of how you began and why. It’s the story of God the Creator calling you into being, on purpose and for a purpose. It’s the story of God taking delight in you and naming you as good and beautiful. It’s the story of God the Redeemer pursuing you, calling you, and returning you to whom He made you to be. The bread that Je...