Charles Anderson

ID 52402Mar 21, 1990

Prayer is presented as a mysterious yet vital privilege, with the sermon exploring its nature through biblical examples and theological definitions. Daniel's prayer in chapter nine is highlighted as a profound example of confession and petition, demonstrating that even in old age, significant spiritual experiences are possible. The sermon further illustrates the power and speed of prayer, showing how Daniel's petition reached God swiftly, prompting an immediate angelic response, and contrasting this with the spiritual warfare described in Daniel chapter ten, where prayer becomes a battle against demonic forces. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that prayer is not merely about personal requests but a powerful engagement in God's cosmic purposes, urging believers to pray with greater intensity and purpose.

ID 52388Feb 3, 1989

The new birth is a divine impartation of God's life, not an achievement of human effort, as explained through the analogy of natural laws. Just as higher life forms cannot evolve into lower ones without external intervention, humans cannot achieve divinity through their own works. Instead, God's life is transmitted through the incorruptible seed of His Word, which, when believed, implants eternal life into the believer. This new nature, distinct from the inherited sinful nature, enables Christians to live holy lives and love one another, though the struggle between the old and new natures continues throughout life. The sermon concludes by urging believers to desire the pure Word of God for spiritual growth and to lay aside hindrances like malice and envy.

ID 52377Feb 2, 1989

The importance of holiness and fervent love among believers, drawing parallels to God's own love and the example of early Christians. It begins by recounting a personal anecdote about acquiring a building for a Bible college, illustrating God's miraculous provision and faithfulness. The passage then transitions to Peter's first epistle, highlighting the divine Trinity's involvement in salvation and the believer's inheritance. The core message focuses on Peter's exhortation to "gird up the loins of your mind" and be holy, contrasting this with the modern pursuit of happiness. It further explores the Greek words for love, distinguishing between phileo and agapao, and urging believers to practice the latter, a love rooted in God's valuation of them, as demonstrated by the sacrificial love seen in the Cars Hill Baptist Church community. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's grace to foster such love and holiness.

ID 52362Jan 29, 1989

God's ways are revealed in both stillness and storm, as demonstrated by the psalmist Asaph in Psalm 77. When faced with perplexing circumstances, Asaph questioned God's faithfulness and actions, illustrating the human struggle with God's methods. The sermon emphasizes that God's ways are found in the sanctuary, a place of quiet reflection where our vision of God is clarified and our understanding is corrected, and in the sea, representing times of trial and uncertainty where faith is tested. Ultimately, God's faithfulness is revealed through these experiences, drawing us closer to Him, even when His actions seem difficult to comprehend.

ID 52353Dec 31, 1987

The imminent return of Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate hope amidst a troubled world, with current global events serving as signs pointing to this future event. The sermon draws parallels between historical accounts of hardship and betrayal, such as that of General MacArthur, and the Christian's journey of faith, emphasizing that God's promises offer enduring hope. It highlights the biblical prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel and the alignment of global powers as indicators that Christ's return is near. The message concludes by urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting God's Word as a reliable indicator of future events, and to eagerly anticipate Christ's second coming.

ID 52345Dec 29, 1987

Paul's letter to the Ephesians reveals the "dizzy heights" of God's plan for redeemed lives, showing that believers can live above their circumstances through an understanding of their position in Christ. The sermon uses the analogy of climbing a mountain to illustrate three perspectives: looking back at our former condition in sin, appreciating our present position in grace, and anticipating our future exaltation in glory. It details the six "dismal minuses" of a life without God—without life, strength, Christ, promises, hope, and God himself—contrasting them with the five "blessed pluses" of salvation: being made alive, brought near, raised, seated, and made into God's workmanship. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the "exceeding riches of His grace" that God will show in the ages to come, illustrating this with a mother's overwhelming love for her returning son.