Anchor Bible Church - Sermons

In mass-market Christianity, countless people profess Christ but seem to show no evidence of saving faith. Though assured, their assurance is subjective. Should we default to doubting every person’s profession of faith? Are we to sow seeds of doubt, or instead fan the flames of assurance? Puritans like William Perkins “labored to lead their flocks into a well-grounded assurance of their election and salvation” (Beeke, Puritan Theology, p. 588). Peter emphasizes the importance of assurance of salvation, not casting doubt on it. Yet 2 Peter 1:1--11 provides grounds for assurance in objective, observable, and measurable terms.

So many are put on a guilt-trip to do short-term missions trip or obsess over where to 'go' in the world to evangelize. Rather than looking at "the heart" of the great commission, which is summed up in the command — 'make-disciples' -- which means, ‘to turn people without exception of ethnicity into disciples of Jesus Christ . The verb "make disciples" itself does not indicate exactly how disciples are to be made, but end result is clear — more disciple. Ones understanding the great commission boils down to one thing -- do you know what is a disciple. Only then will you know what Jesus is aiming for in Matthew 28.

Today’s message will teach you to learn from your own suffering and that others' suffering is often a consequence of chastisement for disobedience. Yet consider that God is merciful and eager to show compassion to those in misery because of sin. Yet the proper response is to run to His mercy and commit to always simple and straightforward obedience.

In conclusion of our week of Summer Sessions, Dr. Bart Horton will be teaching from Hebrews 10:19-25 in how we faithfully pursue life in Christ together.

From Isaiah 53:10-12 we consider three amazing categories of prophecy concerning the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who gives himself as a sacrifice to save sinners and yet rises from the dead the victor and conquer of the world and its kingdoms!

As Paul’s time in Ephesus was coming to an end, he urged the believers to remain steadfast against cultural pressures and false teachers (Acts 20:25—this was after three years of ministry, around A.D. 52–55). Timothy, who led the church in Ephesus, diligently followed Paul’s instructions to guard against all false doctrine. Fast forward several decades, and Christ’s reflection on their deeds is commended by Christ. He commends them for their works, labor, perseverance, and rejection of false teachings, especially their strong opposition to the practices of the Nicolaitans (v. 6). The church in Ephesus was an exemplary model—firm and unwavering in resisting cultural influences. However, despite their outward faithfulness—fighting doctrinal battles, exposing errors, and condemning ungodly conduct—something seems to be missing—4, ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 

In the Colossian Church, the error of Gnosticism began to surface, as many claimed to have a deep knowledge of God and his will, the Apostle Paul began to label what he saw — he labeled it as a “self-made” religion(2:21) which in every aspect has the “appearance of wisdom” (2:23); yet, had “no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (2:23). In other words, there were Christians in that church who seemed wise because they knew the Bible, yet because their knowledge never translated into application, they were ineffective at overcoming the flesh, bearing good fruit, and enduring trials and tribulations with godly resolve. 

In this sermon on Lk. 1:32-33 we examine the five different descriptions that the angel Gabriel tells Mary concerning the child she will give birth to as a virgin.

In this sermon from Numbers 24:17-18 we learn about the amazing Star Prophecy which predicts the incarnation of the Son of God and the coming Messiah King.

In Psalm 103:1–5 we are going to see David stir his soul to praise God for the LORD’s pardoning grace, preserving compassion, and satisfying goodness—so that you can be filled with thanksgiving to God for His great benefits.