Anthem Church Life: Recent Episodes
Anthem Church
Our tendency as Christians is to believe that miracles could possibly happen, but usually only long ago or far away. What if God wanted us to live out supernatural lives in the natural world where we experience his miracle-working and healing power in a normal day?
Is there a dimension of our Christian lives that we're missing out on? God wants every believer to be filled... and filled again, with the Holy Spirit
What if there is a dimension to our relationship with God that many of us are missing out on? A supernatural dimension where we can experience God’s activity in the world in a way that can’t be explained by human logic? Are these supernatural experiences even plausible? And if so, do we have to become religious weirdos to experience them? Join us as we discover that we don’t have to become religious weirdos to be intentional about living a naturally supernatural life.
After decades of separation from their nation, the people of Israel were finally able to return home. A leader named Nehemiah rose up with a holy indignation during this incredible Comeback story. Journey with us on Sundays starting this Sunday June 13th as we look at a piece of Israel’s history that has so much relevance for us as rebuilders living under the backdrop of a post-pandemic world.
So you've learned your neighbors names. Now what? As followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to love both God and our neighbors. It’s easier said than done, but if we push past the fear, time barriers, and pride that can keep us from engaging with others, we can build deep connections with the people in our neighborhood and, most importantly, please God.
We live in a culture that can sniff out inauthenticity rather quickly. So, if we neighbor with ulterior motives, we should expect walls to be put up and neighbors to keep their distance. So, how do we neighbor the way Jesus asks us to without these motives? What does it look like to learn The Art of Neighboring the right way? Join us for week 4 of The Art of Neighboring with Drew Thurman of Renaissance Church in Waltham.
One of the biggest barrier to neighboring is TIME. As followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to love both God and our neighbors. It’s easier said than done, but if we push past the fear, time barriers, and pride that can keep us from engaging with others, we can build deep connections with the people in our neighborhood and, most importantly, please God.
What comes to mind when you think about your neighbors? Maybe you don’t know them very well or, if you’re honest, maybe you think the lady across the street is a bit weird. For many of us, it can be tempting to keep our distance and mind our own business in our neighborhood. But is that really how God wants us to live?
As followers of Jesus, we’ve been called to love both God and our neighbors. It’s easier said than done, but if we push past the fear, time barriers, and pride that can keep us from engaging with others, we can build deep connections with the people in our neighborhood and, most importantly, please God.
In this series based on the book The Art of Neighboring, we'll explore how to focus on the people within our neighborhood and learn what it means to be a good neighbor. What's the importance of pushing through the uncomfortable feelings that come with communicating, investing in, and caring for the people who live near us? What would our communities look like if we took Jesus’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves seriously?
What if Jesus meant that we should love our actual neighbors?
When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one command, he said to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Most of us have turned this simple idea of loving our neighbors into a nice saying, putting it on bumper stickers and refrigerator magnets and then going on wåith our lives without actually putting it into practice.
What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? Is it possible that the solution to our society's biggest issues has been right under our noses for the past two thousand years?
How is your thought life? Your self talk? The direction of our lives often follows the patterns of our thoughts, but it’s difficult to manage all that goes on in our minds. Join us as we wrap up our three-week series as we seek a whole and healthy thought life through the hope found in Jesus, and learn how to come alongside others as they journey toward mental health.
Just under 50% of adults in the United States will struggle with mental health at some point in their lives. Many of us have or will experience some form of struggle in this area and those who do not, will likely know someone who does. Though prevalent in our culture, mental health has often been left out of discussions when it comes to faith and the church. When it has been talked about, many times those efforts have understated it’s complexity and overstated incomplete simplistic answers. With that in mind, we wanted to open a conversation around mental health and it’s implication for all of our lives. During this message, we’ll share lived experience, break down the stigma and discover the power of hope and community in this complex conversation.
Easter reminds us that the stone outside Jesus’ tomb was rolled away and the tomb was empty. But why was the stone rolled away? The answer might surprise you.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
Paul spoke of a Gospel with power that brought life change and freedom and came straight from God. If we don’t have those things in our lives, have we really experienced the Gospel? Explore what the true Gospel really is as we walk through Galatians 1:14-2:5.
If you’re looking for true freedom – freedom from sin, from shame and guilt, even from death itself – look no further than Galatians. In it we find the revelation of Paul’s “grace gospel” which proclaims heaven’s freedom for every believer.
This weekend, we’re joined by a few of our Anthem family who recently participated in our Be The Bridge experience. As a group focused on the church’s responsibility towards racial reconciliation, their learnings are valuable for us all.
Over the past year we’ve seen God’s faithfulness at work at Anthem in so many ways. This year we want to echo Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, but who correctly handles the word of truth”.
We often quote Jeremiah 29:11 at the beginning of a new season and with it glibly proclaim the promise that good things are coming our way. Can we really depend on this scripture as a promise that God has a great future in store for us?
The Bible calls the church God’s army. When we function correctly, we are a strong and powerful force against forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Hear Colin give us a message of encouragement from Ephesians to stand strong at the end of 2020 in the strength that God gives us.
The world before Jesus’ birth was weary and dark. There was a longing for hope and restoration. But God had promised ‘God With Us’ would come to make things right. What does Jesus’ first coming mean for our weary and longing world today and what is the hope to come?
Advent - what does it mean to prepare, to wait and to anticipate the arrival of Jesus? Advent unites us as the global Church and we are invited to participate in God's mission to earth as ordinary people. Hear from leaders of two church plants in New England and their plans to be used by God as a part of His mission.
How do we inoculate ourselves against the scarcity mindset? How do we decide to live with the abundance mindset that reminds us God is more than enough? In this message, find out how to stop the scarcity cycle using three principles of provision.
Gratitude is the gateway to peace. Thankfulness brings joy. In this week's Stay Positive message, find out how to cure complaining by focusing on gratitude and thankfulness for what God has given.
Spiritual enthusiasm is contagious. If you’ve lost your passion, it’s time to get it back! Remember, it’s not what you do that makes it meaningful, it’s who you do it for. If you need a daily reminder of the passion you once had, join Ashley Pitkin for week 4 of Stay Positive.
Words have power! One encouraging word could be the catalyst for change in your life. Listen to this week's podcast to learn what it means to encourage others SPIRITUALLY and encourage YOURSELF daily.
Anthem Church's in-person services are back and we couldn't be more excited! We are doing everything we can to create a safe, socially-distant gathering for all of us to grow deeper in the life God has for us. Plan your visit at https://anthemchurch.life/plan-your-visit
Forget self-confidence. Start cultivating God-confidence! In this message from Liz Harfield, you’ll find three truths to build your confidence in God and stay positive and confident in the promises He’s made to you.
What consumes your mind controls your life—so who’s ready for some good news instead? In Week 1 of Stay Positive, Colin talks to us about the hope you have in Christ, the good news you need to hear, and how to stay optimistic even when bad news tries to dominate your daily life.
Anthem Church turns 2 this month! We're so grateful for the ways God has changed lives over these past two years. Listen to Liz & Colin celebrate the past and paint a picture of the future of Anthem.
Can you feel the tension as Election Day draws nearer? As we come to the end of this political season, our nation is at a level of division that many of us have never seen before. And it’s quite a tragedy when that division finds its way into the church. How does a Christ follower respond in such a polarized climate? Listen to Colin speak on this topic today.
We believe that prayer transforms our lives, our communities, and our world. We are right in the middle of our 777 experience where we commit to praying at 7am and 7pm for 7 days. There are many ways for you to jump into this experience including a daily reading plan, daily devotionals, and guided prayer experiences online and in person. Listen to Liz Harfield preach this message today, and go to this link to learn more about our prayer experience: https://anthemchurch.life/prayer
[Colin Harfield with Abdu Murray] Human beings are captivated by a good story. Our entire entertainment industry is driven by the sale of amazing stories, from movies to shows to books to podcasts to great song lyrics. What many don’t realize is that God has authored the most powerful story of all—the creation, fall, and redemption of humankind. This incredible narrative is told in the pages of the Bible, revealing what has happened and what is to come. But unlike a Netflix series or a blockbuster hit, its message applies to every single aspect of our lives. Listen to the final week of our Demystify sermon series today.
[Colin Harfield with Abdu Murray] The Bible offers us clarity in decision-making, resulting in a happy future. It also offers us a picture of who God is and how much He cares for us. With this in mind, why shouldn't we engage more with the Bible? Listen to Colin explain more about these concepts, as well as offer some practical tips on how to read your Bible today.
[Colin Harfield with Abdu Murray] We take our access to the Bible for granted. It can be downloaded with one tap on any smartphone. It’s the best-selling book in the world every year and can be found in almost any bookstore. But what did it cost to make the Bible so readily available today? For many, it cost them their lives. Knowing the history of the Bible allows us to appreciate it for the gift from God that it is. Listen to Colin and Abdu talk about this in the second week of our Demystify series today.
[Colin Harfield with Abdu Murray] Ever felt skeptical of the Bible? Lost your faith in the Bible? Well then our Demystify series is just for you. We’re going to spend 4 straight Sundays diving in to the evidence for the validity of the Bible. Abdu Murray, world-renown apologist, will be joining us every week. Don't miss it!
Jonah spent 3 days in a fish. Jesus spent 3 days in the grave. Jonah spent 40 days hoping for destruction. Jesus spent 40 days proving his resurrection. Jonah went to Ninevah unwillingly, but Jesus came to earth willingly. And the comparisons don’t end there. Essentially, Jesus was the better version of Jonah, and God used Jonah’s life as a real-life prophecy of the Son of God who was to come.
Listen to a fantastic message by Ashley Pitkin today, and don't forget about our Saturday night outdoor events! Register at https://anthemchurch.life/watchparty so we can prepare for how many are coming. Live worship, live teaching, and socially distanced fun!
A five-word sermon from an unenthusiastic prophet, and 120,000 people convert to the faith. Sound far fetched? This is the story of Jonah, or more importantly, the God who brought about a revival THROUGH Jonah. And it never would have happened if God hadn't given him a second chance. Special thanks to our friend Steve for joining our podcast to share an incredible story from his life!
Jonah was at an all-time low. He ran as fast as he could from God ... straight into the belly of a whale. But it was here that his life turned around. Listen to how Jonah's rock-bottom prayer is a testimony to how God can give our lives a completely new direction.
Remember the story we heard as kids about Jonah and the whale? Would it surprise you to know that the whale is the least important part of the story? This is about a man who ran from the voice of God, and a God who saved him from himself. Ever been reluctant to follow the voice of God? We guarantee you that Jonah was even MORE reluctant. Watch and listen to the transformational journey that God led Jonah on.
Am I qualified to tell someone about Jesus? Many times we lift up missionaries, pastors, and priests to an elevated status, as if they are the only ones fit for the job of preaching the Gospel. But God's way is different - he doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called! Listen to Colin preach from John chapter 4, where Jesus chooses an unlikely candidate as His very first missionary.
Didn't Jesus say, 'Do not judge' ? If so, why do so many Christians seem to do the opposite? You may be surprised that The Bible (as well as Jesus himself) has a lot more to say about judgement than that simple 3-word phrase. Listen to Colin address this important topic today as we continue our series, 'Uncomfortable: the awkward and essential challenge of Christian community.'
As a Christian, you reflect Jesus through what you post and when you comment. How can we ensure that our social media presence reflects Christ's heart? Ashley Pitkin takes us through 6 filters that help us decide what to post and what NOT to post: - Am I only judging what they are saying or am I seeking understanding? - Am I posting or commenting something that I would never say to someone in person? - Is this the right place to publicly express my views or opinions? - Am I posting or commenting out of fear of entering into a real conversation? - What are my words saying about my character or my witness? - Am I praying more than I am posting?
The definition of irony is a British pastor preaching about giving up your rights on Independence Day weekend. Yes, you read that correctly. Laying down our rights is not an intuitively Western concept, but as we look at the life of Jesus, we see that He calls us to a more uncomfortable level of surrender than we may have originally thought. Listen to Colin Harfield preach this message today.
There's no quick fix to the racial issues facing our nation, and you aren't going to find an easy answer from one sermon. But we at Anthem are committed to being part of the solution as we move forward.
If you want to be part of the team working on this issue, please fill out this form to join our Racial Reconciliation Group: https://anthemchurchlife.churchcenter.com/people/forms/146325
Also, check out the Be The Bridge 5-Day Reading Plan by Latasha Morrison: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/16910
We want the words of 1st Peter 2:9 to define the Anthem Church community. But what exactly does it mean to be a "chosen people" or a "royal priesthood" or "a holy nation" ? Watch and listen as Colin Harfield unpacks this encouraging scripture today.
Jesus came to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable. Following Him will undoubtedly challenge us to get a little uncomfortable in order for us to grow. Listen to the first week in our new series today!
How do you get through what you're going through? Join us with special guest Kay Warren (co-founder of Saddleback Church), who will be talking about what it means to find treasures in the darkest places of your life.
We may never find the answer to the question “Why” but we all have the opportunity to choose the “How” of how we’ll get through what we’re going through. This sermon series is called How To Get Through What You're Going Through. Listen to Colin Harfield speak on the topic of WEAKNESS today.
When our faith is tested, rather than chasing down another way to peace, trust that the one who has been faithful will be faithful to the end. This series is called How To Get Through What You're Going Through. Listen to Colin Harfield speak on the topic of SURRENDER today.
During the toughest, most tragic moments of our lives, God wants to use our most trying struggles to develop a living faith within us that can withstand any circumstance. This series is called How To Get Through What You're Going Through. Listen to Colin Harfield speak on the topic of STRUGGLE today.
Listen to Liz Harfield (along with her daughter Elise) share wisdom on parenting in our new series Home Improvement! There's no better time to see what God says about life at home .
Listen to Ashley Pitkin as she talks about a healthy view of singleness in our new series, Home Improvement! There's no better time to see what God says about life at home.
Listen to Liz and Colin Harfield talk marriage in our new series, Home Improvement. There's no better time to see what God says about life at home.
Listen to Colin Harfield talk about establishing a vision for your home life in our new series, Home Improvement. There's no better time to see what God says about life at home.