What does the Bible really say about money? Is it wrong to be wealthy? How can Christians enjoy God's blessings without allowing money to become an idol? These are questions many people wrestle with, and Jesus addresses them directly in the Parable of the Rich Fool found in Luke 12:13–21.

In this message from First Baptist Hanford, Pastor Brian Gai explains that the issue in Jesus' parable is not wealth itself but the condition of the human heart. The rich man wasn't called a fool because he had an abundant harvest. He was called a fool because he believed his possessions could provide lasting security, satisfaction, and purpose apart from God.

Jesus reminds us that "life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." Our culture constantly encourages us to chase more—more money, bigger homes, nicer cars, and greater financial security. Yet those pursuits can quietly lead to greed, envy, and misplaced trust. Instead of living only for temporary success, Jesus calls His followers to live with an eternal perspective.

This sermon explores what it means to be "rich toward God" by faithfully stewarding the resources He has entrusted to us. Through biblical teaching and practical application, you'll learn how budgeting, generosity, spiritual disciplines, and intentional stewardship help shape a heart that treasures Christ above material wealth.

Whether you're struggling with financial anxiety, wrestling with contentment, planning for retirement, or simply wondering how your faith should influence your finances, this message offers biblical wisdom that is both encouraging and practical. Rather than condemning wealth, Jesus invites us to see money as a tool for worship, generosity, and advancing God's kingdom.

If you've ever asked questions like, "What does Jesus say about money?", "How do I overcome greed?", "Can Christians be rich?", or "How do I develop an eternal perspective?", this sermon will point you back to the hope, freedom, and purpose found in Christ.

In this sermon from First Baptist Hanford, Peter N. Anderson teaches through the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. Jesus tells this story in response to a religious expert who asks, “Who is my neighbor?” But Luke tells us the man was not simply looking for clarity. He wanted to justify himself.

That question still speaks to us today. We may not ask it out loud, but we often try to define the limits of love. We ask how much we really have to care, how involved we need to get, and whether someone’s need is truly our responsibility. Jesus answers not with a definition, but with a story that exposes the heart.

In the parable, a man is beaten, robbed, and left half dead on the road. A priest and a Levite both see him and pass by. These were religious people who knew God’s commands, yet they avoided the wounded man. Then a Samaritan, someone the original audience would have seen as an outsider and even an enemy, stops and shows mercy.

Jesus shows that love of neighbor is not just a belief we agree with. Mercy moves. Mercy comes close. Mercy gives time, attention, care, and resources. The Samaritan bandages the man’s wounds, brings him to safety, pays for his care, and promises to return. His compassion becomes action.

But this parable is more than a call to try harder. Before we are the Samaritan, we are the wounded person in the road. Sin left us helpless, and Jesus came near. He did not pass by. He carried our burden, paid our debt, and gave His life for us.

Because we have received mercy from Christ, we are called to show mercy to others. Jesus’ command is simple and direct: “Go and do likewise.” This sermon helps us ask where we have been passing by and how God is calling us to become people of mercy.

Why did Jesus teach in parables?In Matthew 13, Jesus begins teaching through parables, but these stories are not just simple illustrations or moral lessons. Jesus uses parables to reveal the kingdom of God and expose the condition of the human heart.In this message from Matthew 13:1-23, Pastor Peter Anderson opens our series on the parables by looking at the Parable of the Sower. Jesus shows us that the same seed can be scattered, the same word can be preached, and the same truth can be heard, but not every heart receives it the same way. Some hearts are hard. Some hearts are shallow. Some hearts are crowded. But the good soil hears the word, understands it, and bears fruit.This message asks a simple but serious question: Are you actually ready to hear Jesus?

In this message from our series The Hard Questions, Pastor Peter Anderson addresses one of the most personal and challenging questions facing Christians today: Why does God care about my sexuality?

For many people, conversations about sexuality and identity are deeply personal. They involve real people, real relationships, real struggles, and real questions about belonging, truth, and God's love. Rather than approaching the topic with condemnation or fear, this sermon begins with compassion and points listeners back to the heart of the gospel.

Drawing from passages such as Mark 7, 1 Corinthians 6, Luke 9, and Galatians 2, Pastor Peter explains that God's concern is not merely about behavior. God's concern is about the human heart. Jesus teaches that our deepest problem is not simply external influences but the reality of sin that affects every part of us. Because of this, our feelings and desires, while real, cannot serve as the ultimate authority for our identity.

The sermon also explores the biblical view of the body. In a culture that often treats the body as something to redefine according to personal feelings, Scripture teaches that our bodies are gifts from God, created with purpose and value. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor God with every part of our lives, including our sexuality.

Most importantly, this message highlights the hope of the gospel. The Bible teaches that sin does not get the final word over our lives. Through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and given a new identity. Rather than being defined by our desires, struggles, failures, or past experiences, believers are invited to find their identity in Christ alone.

Whether you are wrestling with questions about sexuality, identity, temptation, or discipleship, this sermon offers a biblical and compassionate reminder that God cares because He loves us. His desire is not to shame us but to lead us into the freedom, purpose, and new life found in Jesus.

The central message is simple yet powerful: God loves us too much to let anything smaller than Jesus name us.

Why does God allow suffering? How can we trust God when life feels overwhelming? These are questions many Christians wrestle with during seasons of hardship. In this message from James 1:1-12, we explore how God uses trials to strengthen our faith and shape our character.

James writes to believers who were facing persecution, uncertainty, and suffering. Instead of promising an easy life, he challenges them to view their trials through a different lens. He teaches that difficulties are not meaningless obstacles but opportunities for spiritual growth. When our faith is tested, perseverance is developed, and perseverance helps us become mature and complete in Christ.

Many people struggle to trust God when circumstances don't make sense. Job loss, financial pressure, broken relationships, illness, grief, and disappointment can cause us to question God's goodness and care. James reminds us that God's faithfulness should not be measured by our comfort. Instead, we must remember that God's ultimate purpose is to make us more like Jesus.

This sermon also highlights the importance of seeking God's wisdom during difficult seasons. When we lack understanding, perspective, or experience, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom. He generously provides guidance to those who seek Him in faith.

Using powerful illustrations and practical application, this message encourages believers to look for God's presence in the middle of their trials, lean on the support of other Christians, and trust that God is working even when they cannot see the full picture.

In Luke 16:19 to 31, Jesus tells one of the most sobering stories in Scripture: the rich man and Lazarus.
This message looks at what Jesus teaches about hell, eternity, judgment, and the urgency of responding to the gospel. Hell is not a doctrine we should talk about lightly, but it is a doctrine we cannot ignore if we are going to take Jesus seriously.
In this sermon, we look at the background of Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom, the first century Jewish understanding of the afterlife, and what Luke 16 shows us about death, judgment, and eternity. We also look at why common false teachings like purgatory, universalism, and annihilationism fall short of what Jesus teaches.

The goal is not fear for fear’s sake. The goal is clarity, urgency, and confidence in the Savior who came to rescue sinners.
Hell is real.

 Death is final.
 Scripture is enough.
 Jesus has risen from the dead.
 The time to respond is now.

A lot of people have been told that faith and science cannot live in the same house. Maybe they heard it in a classroom, during conversations about creation, or during COVID when “trust the science” became political, emotional, and tribal.
But is Christianity actually against science?
In this message, Pastor Peter Anderson looks at Genesis 1, Psalm 19, Romans 1, John 1, and the resurrection of Jesus to show that the Bible was never intended to be a science textbook, but it is truthful in everything it claims. Science is a gift from God. It helps us study the world God made. But science is not God, and it cannot answer the deepest questions of life, meaning, morality, sin, death, and salvation.
The church is not anti science. The church believes science works because God made a world with order, structure, and meaning. Science can describe the world, but only Jesus can save the world.

Scripture references:
 Genesis 1:1
 Psalm 19:1
 Romans 1:20
 John 1:1 to 3
 John 1:14
 1 Corinthians 15
First Baptist Hanford exists to Love God, Love People, and Serve the World.
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Why don’t we see miracles like we do in the Bible? Does God still heal, answer prayers, and move in supernatural ways today? In this message from First Baptist Hanford, we explore what the Bible actually says about miracles, signs and wonders, suffering, faith, and the resurrection of Jesus.
This sermon walks through miracles like Jonah, the Red Sea, Joshua’s long day, the ministry of Jesus, and the resurrection while wrestling honestly with disappointment, unanswered prayer, and why faith can feel difficult in the modern world.
Scripture references include:
 • Matthew 17
 • Exodus 14
 • Joshua 10
 • John 20
 • 2 Corinthians 12
 • Matthew 28
 • 1 Corinthians 15
If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who has wrestled with doubt, suffering, or unanswered prayer.
#miracles #faith #christianity #jesus #bible #sermon #god #church #answeredprayer #resurrection

In a culture where truth often feels subjective and personal, many people are asking an important question: Can I really trust the Bible? In this message from the “Hard Questions” series at First Baptist Hanford, we explore the reliability, authority, and purpose of Scripture in a way that is clear and approachable.

The Bible claims to be more than just a collection of ancient writings—it is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), meaning it was written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This truth gives us confidence that Scripture is not random or manipulated, but divinely inspired and intentionally preserved. With thousands of ancient manuscripts and strong historical support, the Bible stands as the most reliable ancient document we have today. 

But the Bible’s trustworthiness goes beyond history and manuscripts. Jesus Himself treated Scripture as authoritative, consistently quoting and fulfilling it. The early church built its entire foundation around the teaching and application of God’s Word. If we follow Jesus, we inherit His view of Scripture as truth.

The Bible also carries a unique power—it transforms lives. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as “alive and active,” able to speak deeply into our hearts and shape who we are. This isn’t just a book to read; it’s a way to encounter God. The Bible reveals who God is, tells the story of redemption through Jesus, and invites us into a restored relationship with Him.

From creation to restoration, Scripture tells one unified story: God created us, sin broke that relationship, and Jesus came to redeem and restore it. The Bible’s ultimate purpose is not just to inform us, but to transform us—teaching, correcting, and guiding us toward a life that reflects Christ.

So the real question becomes personal: What role does the Bible play in your life? Are you building your understanding of truth on culture, personal feelings, or God’s Word?

This message challenges you to take a next step—engage Scripture more deeply, listen for God’s voice, and respond in obedience. Because when we trust the Bible, we don’t just gain knowledge—we experience life change through Jesus.

This is one of the hardest questions people wrestle with:
If God is good, why would He send people to hell?
 And what happens to people who are good… but don’t follow Jesus?
In this message, we walk through what the Bible actually says about heaven, hell, and salvation. Not based on opinion, not based on culture, but based on Scripture.
We look at:
 • Why being a good person is not enough
 • How God can be both just and loving
 • Why Jesus is the only way to salvation
 • What hell actually is and why it exists
 • And what this means for the people in your life right now
This is not just a theological conversation. This is personal.
Because every one of us has people we love who we are not sure about when it comes to faith.
And if what the Bible says is true, then this is not something we can ignore.
 Key Scriptures:
 Romans 3:23
 James 2:10
 Isaiah 64:6
 Deuteronomy 32:4
 1 John 4:8
 2 Peter 3:9
 Romans 5:8
 2 Corinthians 5:21
 Ephesians 2:8-9
 John 3:18-19
 John 14:6
 Acts 4:12
 Romans 10:9
If this message challenged you, share it with someone in your life.
At FBH, we believe the church isn’t just something you attend. It’s something you build.