Anderson Sermons

Nothing is more important than knowing Jesus and becoming like Him. Nothing. We can get distracted; we can get discouraged; we can be tempted to run after other passions. But the goal of life, the prize promised to us now and in the end, is Jesus.

We learn through imitation. We imitate others, and others imitate us, for better or for worse, depending on the examples we choose to follow and the example we set. The Apostle Paul gives us two excellent role models in Timothy and Epaphroditus, men who lived their lives sacrificially for the glory of Christ and the good of others. Their example challenges us to consider whether we too are becoming worthy of imitation.

Eternal life is an absolutely free gift, but a transformed life requires us to lean in with all of our effort, while simultaneously relying completely on the power of God. As we do, our lives become an increasingly powerful witness in a dark and broken world.

We become one, and the gospel advances when we yield our lives to the gospel; when we yield our lives to one another; and when we yield our lives just like Jesus yielded His life for us.

What we really long for, whether or not we can clearly say it, is unfailing joy - joy we cannot lose and joy that cannot be taken from us. We chase after it in the world, but any thrills we find quickly fade because the joy we long for is only found in Jesus.

God always wins. His work of redeeming broken people through the accomplishment of His Son cannot be stopped. Therefore, be bold in your proclamation of Jesus, even in the face of inevitable opposition. The gospel remains forever the only hope for this world.

What we pray for reveals what we desire most. So, for what do you pray most urgently? If we follow Paul's example, the answer will be growth in love that is guided by wisdom. That need surpasses all others, because there is nothing more powerful than true love to show the world the beauty of Jesus.

When you hear the phrase, "the good life," what comes to mind? We chase after the good life, but we often find ourselves lonely and unfulfilled. However, when we pour out our lives for the gospel, we experience purpose in life and the relationships we so deeply long for.

Christ poured out His life for us so that we could have life in Him. The only appropriate response is for us to pour out our lives as well - our earthly loyalties, our self-reliance, our small desires. None of these things come close to the surpassing value of gospel of Jesus Christ.

We help People find and follow Jesus - because He is worthy; because that's the greatest need in every person's life; because that's what gives our life significance. So how do we become more effective in fulfilling this calling? Be willing! Be expectant! Be fascinated! Be prepared!