Anthem Church

In this teaching on prayer, Jesus warns his followers against a life of spiritual showmanship. We are called to be formed as we abide in God through Jesus, and then we can be the light of the world as we are called to be.

In a time and season of anxiety and unrest, we are dedicated as a community to seeking the kingdom first, that all needs will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). In order to do this, we need to examine what this kingdom is, and perhaps most importantly, we need to know the King of the kingdom. Here we examine posturing ourselves to receive from, to follow, and to love this king.

Listen in as Pastor Andrew lays the foundation for community this fall at Anthem Church.

Our faith is not just for the dark times, and it's not just for the best of times: it is meant to form us, shape us, and fill all of our life. We are called to lives of presence, awe, and trust in God as we walk all our days with him; this is where purpose and joy are found.

As followers of Jesus, we are called the light of the world. What does this mean? How do we live as light? How do we let our light shine before others?

In a world obsessed with position and power, Jesus calls his followers to pursue a truer greatness through radical service to God and others. Not only is Jesus our example of sacrificial service, but the gospel allows us to serve not in our own strength, but with the motivation and power of the Spirit of God.

Generosity is not born out of guilt, coercion, or compulsion; it is born out of receiving and enjoying the incredible generosity of God himself.

If we desire to truly follow Jesus, our Savior tells us plainly what is required: we are called to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow him. God does not require discipline and self-denial for its own sake; it is always a call to give up the lesser that we may gain the greater.

God's intent was always to dwell with his people. The veils have been lifted, the veils have been torn... how do we respond?

We all have a desire to grow, but what does this look like in relationship with Jesus Christ?

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son for us. In him, we have been brought from complete death to new, true, vibrant life.

What are Jesus' hopes for the Christian community? Far from vain desires, the prayer of Christ here reflects the very heart of God: we are to share and experience the love of God, we are to be unified in the truth and person of Jesus, and we are to be a potent witness of love, truth, and grace to the world around us, that they may know the Father.

As he prays for his current disciples, Jesus asks that they would be protected and set apart to reflect God's love and goodness to a broken world.

God is consumed with his glory... but what does that have to do with us? In Jesus, we are caught up in the life-changing, joy-inspiring story of redemption; we are recipients of love and grace that touches and fills every part of our lives.

Jesus offers, in the middle of a dark, hostile, troubling world, a peace in him and a confidence that transcends all opposition. It is ours, a gift through faith in him... will we take it up?

In one of his darkest moments, Jesus promises his followers that he brings a joy that is strong, permanent, and fulfilling. What is this joy?

There is a paradox within our faith: we are called to live and work with all our might, but we are also called into the rest, comfort, and peace of God. How does this work? The degree to which we allow our hearts to fully find rest in God is also the degree to which we will cease finding peace through our striving. God keeps us, holds us, and never sleeps that we may enjoy and live out of the rest of God.