Anderson Sermons

The theme of Galatians is freedom! Not just freedom from the bondage of sin, death, and legalism, but freedom to experience life as God intended: the life of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and self-control that we all desperately long for. This freedom is found only through the pure, unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. Believe it! Live it! Share it!

To forgive is to release the debt and to bestow blessing in its place. Through Jesus Christ, God has forgiven the debt of our sin which we could never repay, and blessed us with life everlasting. When we forgive others, we imitate God, the gracious forgiver.

What does it mean to be a good neighbor, not only to those who live on our streets, but also to those who live in our local community? Is it worth the effort for us as followers of Jesus to alter the patterns of our lives to connect with our neighbors? Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan timelessly answers those questions for us.

We were made for relationships because we were made in the image of a relational God. And the first relationship God designed for us was marriage - one man and one woman becoming one together as they follow God and love one another. It's not always easy, but when oneness begins to grow, the world sees a beautiful representation of the Triune God - Father, Son and Spirit.

If you want relationships that will help you know Jesus better and become more like Him, then there is no better place to be than the Church! The Church is God's family, united with one another in Jesus; in other words, we are the Church. The Church needs you and you need the Church. We each have a unique role to play as we seek to love one another and to reflect Jesus to the rest of the world.

We all want good relationships. We all need good relationships. We were all designed in God's image for deep and lasting relationships, but none of our relationships work perfectly, and in fact some of our relationships are downright disastrous. However, within the Trinity we have a model for the relationships we desire and need, and in the loving, sacrificial work of the Son of God we have the po...

Fear is a natural response to threatening, risk-filled situations. And as we follow Jesus, such situations are inevitable! We don't have a choice in the matter. However, we do choose whether or not we give in to our fears, or by faith learn to increasingly trust in the Lord. In other words, we get to choose where we focus our attention and energy - on the obstacles or on the opportunities. And we...

God gave Israel a rhythm for worship - daily, weekly, annually and generationally - because all of life is intended for worship. We get out of rhythm when we listen to another song - life is food, or houses, or career, or sex, etc. We get back in rhythm when we consciously, actively seek to praise God through all that we say, do, think and feel because He is worthy of our entire lives.

There are many forms of idolatry, and we are all prone to one, or more, or many. Our chosen idols promise life but deliver death every time. So why are we so foolish? Because we believe the idols' lies and we want a god we can control, one who will give us what we want when we want it; in other words, a god in our own image. In God's grace, He both exposes our foolishness, forgives us and restores...

Something deep inside us instinctively resists rules. Rules feel inherently restrictive. But God's rules are not arbitrary or capricious. God's rules are rooted in His deep love for us, and His desire for relationship with us. His rules are for our good and lead to best life possible and our greatest freedom, but we can joyfully obey only through His enablement - not through our own determination...

God has delivered, and continues to deliver, His people from sin, slavery and death. Build habits of remembrance for all that God has done for you!

There is no power on earth greater than the power of our God. Many may resist Him, but none can defeat Him or thwart His sovereign will. In fact, as you obey Him, expect opposition, knowing that ultimately His redemptive plan will prevail over all forces, both earthly and spiritual. Trust Him. Worship Him. Follow Him.

Moses was called by God. I am called by God. You are called by God. Maybe not through a burning bush, but still God has called each of us into a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus; and He has called each of us to serve Him and bring Him honor through our lives. Moses was afraid and Moses was resistant. Are you afraid? Are you resistant? Or are you willing to answer His call?

The people of Israel had fallen on hard times. They were slaves in Egypt, far from their homeland. Where was God, the One who had promised them a land of their own and enough blessing to share with the whole world? Despite appearances, God was still with them, and God was still at work. And the same is true for us today: even when we cannot see what God is doing, and even when our lives look dark...

Some churches limp along. They keep the doors open, but they don't make a deep and lasting impact on their community or the world. Other churches thrive because they are committed to remaining focused on the timeless truth of gospel and the enduring priority of making disciples.

Your life has been set apart for God and for others. You were made on purpose and for a purpose. Dedicate yourself to God's intentions for your life, and discover true fulfillment and joy.

Two fish and five loaves placed in Jesus' hands is more than enough to feed a multitude. Are you prepared to give him your 2 and 5? Then get ready to see all that He will accomplish through you!

Our response to unexpected, and often unwanted experiences shapes our souls toward wholeness or barrenness. How will you respond to each of the burdens God calls you to carry through life? Will you allow them to make you or to break you?

The first century Church practiced radical generosity. Having been freed from the debt of sin by the sacrifice of Christ, they experienced joy in sacrificing for one another and for the cause of the gospel throughout the world. We want to be that kind of church for our generation.

From the time of its birth, the mission of the Church has remained unchanged. We are called to courageously bear witness to the resurrected Savior, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to all the nations of the earth, until Jesus returns.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is either a true account, or an outlandish lie. It is either the greatest miracle ever, or it is a malicious hoax. If it's a lie, we are still dead in our sins and without hope. If it's true, then we can have forgiveness of our sins and life that lasts forever only through Jesus. Are you still doubting, or are you convinced?

The story of Barabbas is also our story: we are guilty, and deserving of the consequences of our sin, but Jesus took the punishment that we earned. He became our substitute, standing in our place, and now believing in Him we have freedom forever.

What we most need, Jesus supplies. By sending the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us forever, Jesus has provided us with comfort for our loneliness, clarity for our confusion and courage for our calling.

Jesus rarely got angry and He never became physically aggressive, except for one notable event. When the worship of His Father was interrupted, Jesus pulled out a whip and turned over tables. Nothing mattered more to Him than His Father receiving the honor due to His name, and that everyone, without exception, had the opportunity to join in His worship. Do we share Jesus' zeal for God's worship? D...

Follow Jesus! He is your Good Shepherd who knows you, cares for you, and protects you forever. He alone can direct your life and lead you into abundant and eternal life.