Anchorage Baptist Temple

Relying on God's Power Over Human WillpowerEvery individual grapples with the challenge of change at various points in their life. Consider the innocent confession of a child named Lily, who candidly admits she can't obey all the time. This heartfelt admission mirrors the struggles many face in their spiritual journey.The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7, poignantly captures this internal battle. He writes:"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." - Romans 7:19 This struggle isn't unique to a select few; it's a universal human experience.At the core of this challenge is a common misconception: relying on one's willpower instead of God's power. While human willpower, regardless of its strength, is finite and flawed, God's power is infinite and perfect.John 15 offers a compelling metaphor of the vine and branches to elucidate this concept. Jesus says:"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [...] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear

Embarking on a Journey of Consistency: A Path to Purposeful Living In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the essence of our existence and the path God has laid out for us. The journey of faith is one of consistent growth, unwavering patience, and purposeful living. As you navigate through the waves of life, it’s crucial to anchor your soul in the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of the Bible, being reminded by scriptures like Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Today, let’s delve into the profound insights from a recent sermon, “From Now On: Week 4,” and explore how you can cultivate a life of abundance and purpose through consistent and intentional living.  Consistency and Persistence:You are called to be a beacon of light in this world, reflecting the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not merely about the knowledge you accumulate but about the actions you perform consistently. The Bib

Philippians 3:14 calls us to a higher purpose, declaring, "I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." This divine reminder encourages you to delve deeper into your faith, to embrace the transformative essence of God’s love, and to align your heart with His divine purpose. 1. Define Your Wins 1 Corinthians 9:24 instructs us, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." You must run your spiritual race with purpose and clarity, ensuring that each step is aligned with the divine aspirations you wish to achieve. 2. Run with Purpose "So, I do not run aimlessly… I do not box as one beating the air" (1 Corinthians 9:26). Your journey of faith is not an aimless one; it requires focus and determination. Run because you have a divine goal; be purposeful in your journey, seeking the true fulfillment found in Christ. 3. Discipline and Control "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest aft

Finding Victory in Faith: A Reflection on ‘Winning in Rome’As we have journeyed together through the epistles of Peter, I have been struck anew by the power and relevance of these ancient letters. Last week, as Nate masterfully reminded us, even in persecution, God still wins. This week, as we turned our attention to the second letter of Peter, I felt the weight of a truth we must all grapple with: our faith in Christ is central to everything.Before diving into the scriptural depths of Second Peter, I felt compelled to share with our congregation the story of Mrs. Fuller, a beloved member of our community. She is in her final days, losing her battle with cancer. In the face of this profound sadness, I am inspired by her and her family’s faith. In their sorrow, they are singing and praising God for her life. It’s a reminder for us all: when we think about life and its trials, there is nothing like preparing to meet Jesus.Second Peter is a rich and challenging text. It’s structured around profound themes: the q

Rekindling Faith in a Modern World: Reflections on a Stirring SermonLast week's sermon, delivered by Pastor Nate, provided a profound testament to the vitality of faith in our modern world. The pastor, visiting from Washington D.C., drew from his own experiences and the Bible to emphasize the importance of faith, perseverance, and the need to connect with God amidst the distractions of our daily lives.Pastor Nate's passion is palpable as he recounts his time at Fusion, where young people openly displayed their dedication to faith. It's inspiring to hear about a generation of young people, often stereotyped as being disinterested in religion, turning towards God in search of meaning and purpose. This only underscores the universality and timelessness of the Christian faith, resonating across generations and cultures.The pastor's message is an important one: God's grace is freely given to all, and His love endures in all circumstances. Pastor Nate implores us to remember this as we navigate our lives, filled wi

When in Rome: Overcoming MistreatmentWelcome, dear readers. Today, we delve into a topic that is as old as humanity itself—mistreatment. We've all felt it, and truth be told, we've all dished it out in one form or another. The aim is to shed light on this issue, drawing from insights found in the book of 1 Peter.In the ancient Roman world, the atmosphere was particularly hostile to Christians. To the Romans, life was fantastic and wonderful, but for the Christians, it was a tale of continual mistreatment. Just like the early Christians, many of us can relate to feelings of being wronged, cheated, and taken advantage of. The question is: How do we overcome this? How do we respond to being mistreated?In 1 Peter 3, we find insights on how to handle mistreatment. Peter calls us all to unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. He advises us not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, to bless. It is our calling to bless others so that we may obtain a

When in Rome: Navigating Faith in a World of Diverse RulesThe joy of returning to one's spiritual community after a brief hiatus is incomparable. Whether one is returning from a vacation or a business trip, the absence often magnifies the beauty of worship. It's in those moments of singing hymns, like "He's Worthy of It All", that we are reminded of the profound emotional and spiritual resonance that worship brings.However, as Christians, we sometimes find ourselves in environments that present different rules, norms, or expectations than what we're accustomed to. This isn't just about geographical relocation or cultural immersion. It's about navigating our faith in a world where spiritual and moral guidelines might differ from our own beliefs.Think about it. Have you ever felt out of place because the principles or values around you were vastly different from your own? Perhaps it's the way you were raised, the traditions you uphold, or simply the moral compass that your faith has instilled in you.The Book of

As children of God, we often find ourselves seeking His divine presence, not in a building or a particular place, but in the person of Jesus Christ. Mr. Kobach once encapsulated this beautifully with his statement: "Whereas in the past, God had a temple for His people, today God has a people for His temple."His words echo the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:16, where Apostle Paul writes: "Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" And again, in 1 Corinthians 6:19, he reminds us, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"This is not a one-off assertion. In 2 Corinthians 6:16, it is again emphasized, "What agreement can a temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God. Just as God has said: 'I will dwell with them and walk among them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.'"How profoundly beautiful it is that, as believers in Christ, we bear God's presence

Living as Christians in a Pressure-filled WorldGreetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I'd like us to ponder upon an age-old adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Although an anachronism to cite in the context of the Early Church in Rome - it hadn't been coined at that time - it effectively captures the intense social pressure faced by early Christians.The Roman government, alongside the Christians' own families and friends, beseeched them to fit in, to follow the crowd, to conform. And if they resisted, if they sought to live a Christ-centered life, it came with grave costs. As one historian describes, they faced social ostracism, verbal abuse, rejection, shame, and even economic persecution leading to the loss of property. That was the backdrop against which the Apostle Peter penned his first epistle.Interestingly, Peter's advice to the Roman Christians did not resemble the Roman adage in the slightest. Instead, he offered guidance that stands just as relevant to us today as it was two

Every one of us, whether male or female, has been divinely selected to draw all towards Christ. We are tasked with the mission of reconciliation, to connect a world astray with our holy savior, Jesus Christ, the one we worship. In Ephesians 1:11, we are reminded that through Christ, we have obtained an inheritance and have been predestined to fulfill His purposes. This predestination doesn't just stem from a cosmic lottery; it reflects His active will, shaping and guiding the universe. We, the Church, men and women alike, have been called to serve as vessels of God's purpose. Our calling is akin to that of Samson. Despite his many human flaws and shortcomings, God used Samson for His divine purposes. Much like Samson, we too are imperfect beings who, in spite of our flaws, have been chosen and set apart for God's mission. In Ephesians 1:13, we learn that when we truly heard the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, and believed in it, we were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit. This is not only

There's an unquenchable passion, a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), placed in our hearts by God Himself. It's an essential part of our spiritual journey that drives us to desire more of Him and His work in our lives. The world may divert this feeling, causing us to believe that it's about missing out on pleasures of the flesh. However, the divine intent of FOMO is to trigger our longing for the fullness of God’s blessings.Today, I'd like to challenge you to revisit the true nature of FOMO, as given to us by our Creator. The Apostle Paul urges us in Romans 12:2 (NIV), "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves recognizing the divine nature of our FOMO, not as a worldly fear but as a deep desire for God's will.FOMO, I believe, is a divine mechanism that fosters a fear of our children missing out on being Christ-centered world changers. Are we, as parents, ready to do whatever it takes to guide our children towards Christ?FOMO, too, can

A Christian perspective on the issue of apathy examines the profound difference between laziness and apathy. According to Proverbs 13:4, "A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied," laziness is the reluctance to exert energy or perform tasks when the capacity to do so exists. Scripture speaks unequivocally against slothfulness, encouraging followers of God to be diligent, reflecting Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."Yet, apathy, while related, is distinct from laziness. It represents an indifference towards issues that matter to God, a sort of spiritual desensitization. This desensitization is not unlike the metaphor my mother would frequently use when I was a child, that of 'poop in the brownie.' This metaphor, although crude, perfectly encapsulates our tendency to become numb to the presence of evil and corruption, justifying minor immoralities as inconsequential. But Romans 12:2

God's Freedom, God-Given Freedom, and the Word of GodAs Christians, we must stand for justice, freedom, and equality, following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for these principles, which are rooted in biblical truth. It is essential that we revisit the core values of the original "woke" movement and differentiate them from the distorted version we see today.Galatians 5:1 states, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." God wants us to experience freedom, but not at the expense of others. We must strive for a society that treats everyone fairly and justly, regardless of their race or background.Dr. King's vision was one of unity and equal opportunity for all. Sadly, the term "woke" has been hijacked by various groups with different agendas, leading to division and confusion. We must remember the essence of the original movement, rooted in godly justice and love for our neighbors, as com

As believers in Christ, we must not be afraid of the truth or real dialogue. The Bible teaches us not to fear, as it is written in 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline." We should be free to discuss any topic, including the biblical view on male and female roles.In our culture, some may argue that the Bible's teachings are obsolete, but as Christians, we must stand firm in our faith and not shy away from the truth. We are called to love our neighbors, even those who are struggling or confused. As Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) instructs us, we must "speak the truth in love."The church has a crucial role to play in society, and history has shown us the consequences of remaining silent. We must not follow in the footsteps of the German church in the 1930s, which remained silent in the face of oppression. Instead, we must rise up and speak the truth in love, addressing critical issues and advocating for justice.It is essential to live out ou

Loving Jesus and Battling Depression: A Christian PerspectiveIn today's world, many people struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. As Christians, we may wonder if it's possible to love Jesus and still struggle with these conditions. The answer is yes; we can love Jesus and still face mental health challenges. There are examples in the Bible that show even great men of faith, such as Elijah and David, experienced depression.Elijah, a powerful prophet in the Old Testament, performed incredible miracles, such as praying for rain after seven years of drought and calling down fire from heaven. Yet, even after these amazing feats, Elijah faced a moment of despair and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). This shows that even the strongest believers can face depression.Similarly, David, a man after God's own heart, experienced moments of deep sadness. In Psalms 13:1, David asks, "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" Despite his stron