Anderson Sermons

Jesus isn't manipulative. Jesus isn't deceptive. Following Him is costly, and He doesn't hide the cost. In fact, Jesus encourages us to count the cost, to enter the life of discipleship with our eyes wide open. But He also promises that whatever sacrifices we make, the rewards will be far greater.

Some questions are more important than others. “Who should I marry?”, for example, is more important than, “What's for dinner?” But there is one question that Jesus asked His followers that is by far the most important, “Who do you say that I am?” Putting that question first in our minds, and answering it rightly, will give us abundant life, real life, both now and forever.

Contrary to popular opinion (“God helps those who help themselves”), God helps those who cannot help themselves! That is you! And that is me! We cannot deliver ourselves from our greatest enemies – sin, death and our adversary. But God, through the power and authority of His Son, deliver anyone and everyone who comes to Him for help.

In the face of withering temptation, Jesus' allegiance to His Father, and to His Father's will was unwavering. His steadfast endurance in His wilderness testing serves as an example for us to follow. Using only resources available to us, Jesus said “no” to temptation and “yes” to His Father. As you face temptation and battle the adversary, imitate Jesus!

John the Baptist is the prototype, but we are all similarly called to be forerunners to the King. We are not here to build a kingdom for ourselves. We are here to welcome Jesus and His kingdom. And we are here to point others toward Jesus, our King.