Anchorage Baptist Temple

How do you know when to say yes and when to hold your ground?In Nehemiah 6, the walls of Jerusalem are nearly finished. But just before the work is complete, the enemies show up again, not with swords this time, but with invitations, open letters, hired prophets, and double agents inside the house.In this message, we walk through the remarkable discernment Nehemiah had in the middle of enormous pressure. He could tell the difference between an opportunity and a distraction, a warning and manipulation, a friend and a deceiver, a risk and a trap and it all came down to one thing: he knew the Word.Whether you're navigating a tough decision at work, tension at home, or pressure from people around you, this message will give you practical, biblical tools to hear clearly and move wisely.Discernment isn't just for a select few. It's for anyone willing to get into God's Word and that includes you!

 In one of the Bible's most unexpected chapters, God interrupts the story of Joseph to zoom in on Judah — a man running from guilt, compromised by culture, and blind to his own hypocrisy. Genesis 38 is a raw, unfiltered portrait of what happens when we drift from God, suppress our sin, and project our shame onto others. But it's also the story of Tamar — a woman overlooked, sidelined, and wronged — whose quiet, steadfast righteousness earns her a place in the very bloodline of Jesus Christ. This message challenges us to ask the hard question: what are we hiding? Because God doesn't expose our sin to humiliate us — He exposes it to heal us, restore us, and use us for something far greater than we could imagine.

You've heard the voice. Later. Later, when life slows down. Later, when things make more sense. Later, when you feel more ready.But what if "later" is a lie?In this message, we confront one of the most dangerous deceptions we face — not rebellion, not doubt, but delay. Through the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25, Jesus warns us that the greatest risk isn't refusing to follow Him. It's assuming we have more time than we do.Life is a vapor. Moments become memories faster than we expect. And the door does not stay open forever.Scripture doesn't say "tomorrow is the day of salvation." It says now.Whether you've been putting off surrender, a hard conversation, or simply getting serious about your faith — this message is for you.The King is coming. Will you be ready?Take a Next StepRecently put your faith in Jesus? We're celebrating with you.

It's easy to get so focused on the task in front of us that we forget the people standing right beside us. In Nehemiah 5, we watch a skilled project manager step outside his lane not because he had to, but because he genuinely cared. This message unpacks what it looks like to lead with integrity, confront injustice with courage, and never lose sight of the people behind the project.

What do you do when opposition moves from mockery to real threat? In this episode of Forward Motion, Pastor Chris Carter walks through Nehemiah chapter 4, where the enemies of Jerusalem ramp up their tactics and the people of God have to make a choice, abandon the mission or pick up a sword and keep building. We explore what it looks like to pray first, protect what matters, and refuse to quit even when the work gets hard. Whether it's your family, your faith, or your calling, some things are worth fighting for.

Drift rarely feels dramatic. It feels normal, gradual, and subtle, just one degree at a time. In Genesis 35, God interrupts Jacob's quiet spiritual drift and calls him back to Bethel, the place where faith was first made real. This message walks through the full chapter to show how a covenant God pursues, redirects, and restores, not because we earn it, but because He is faithful. Through buried idols, rebuilt altars, unexpected grief, and reaffirmed promises, Genesis 35 reminds us that when our heading is aligned with God, the destination is secure.

Every gate tells a story — and together, they tell your story. In this message, we walk counterclockwise through the 10 gates of Jerusalem and discover a powerful picture of the Christian life from beginning to end. From the Sheep Gate where sacrifice was made, to the Fountain Gate of cleansing, to the Horse Gate of spiritual warfare, each gate mirrors a season we all face. Then in Nehemiah 4, the walls go up — and so does the opposition. When the enemy can't stop the work, he tries to mock it. Sound familiar? You'll be challenged to ask yourself: Does the world think you're crazy for following Jesus? And do you have a mind to work?

We've all felt it, that moment after a sin where the voice in your head says, "God's done with you." Or "He's furious." Or "He just doesn't understand." But what if that's false advertising?In this opening message of our new series, we dive into Hebrews 4:14–16 to discover what Jesus actually does, feels, and thinks when we sin. Spoiler: it's not what most of us expect.You'll learn:Why Jesus mediates for you, even when you keep falling into the same sinWhy Jesus sympathizes with you, not against youWhy Jesus understands you, because He's been thereDon't let shame keep you hiding. The throne room of grace is open. Come boldly.

In this message, Gideons International speaker Dave Lacy recounts his return to his birth country of Liberia — and the unexpected front-porch encounter that led four teenagers to faith in Christ. Drawing on scripture and personal testimony, Dave walks through a simple framework for sharing the gospel and invites every listener to ask: What's stopping you from receiving or sharing the free gift of God?Romans 10:14-15 — "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?"Matthew 9:38 — "Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."2 Corinthians 5:20 — "We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us."

What does it take to rebuild what's broken? In this episode, we dive into Nehemiah chapters 2 and 3, uncovering the strategic brilliance of a cupbearer-turned-leader who rallied an entire city to rebuild its walls in under 60 days. From living in a posture of victory before the battle begins, to the timeless warning of the nobles who thought they were too good to serve — this episode challenges us to show up, roll up our sleeves, and trust God with the outcome.

Join Calvin, for this week's devotional exploring Mark chapters 10 and 11. As Jesus nears the end of His earthly ministry, He continues teaching what the kingdom of heaven truly looks like, not status, possessions, or pride, but humility and servanthood.In these powerful chapters, we encounter the rich young ruler who couldn't let go of his possessions, and we witness Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. The central question: If Jesus looked at your life today, would He find a heart of humility and service, or one consumed by selfishness and pride?Jesus came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). This devotional challenges us to examine our own hearts and imagine what our church could become if we truly walked in unity, served one another selflessly, and prioritized advancing God's kingdom over our own interests.Join us in this weekly reading plan as we continue through the book of Mark together.

Join us for "I Declare War"-a powerful new series calling the Church to stand boldly against the evil we face in the world today. Hear from global leaders on the frontlines of spiritual warfare, including Mark Bouman (Cambodia), Greg Lyons (Philippines), and Kirk Nowery (global human trafficking response). God is calling His people to rise up. It's time to fight the good fight-with prayer, truth, and action.Don't miss a single week. The battle is real-and the victory is His.

In this Wednesday night Genesis class, Carl Dennis walks through one of the most troubling chapters in the Bible — the story of Dinah's assault, her brothers' deception and violent retaliation, and a father's misplaced concern for his own reputation. Throughout Genesis 34, not a single person seeks God's guidance, and the consequences ripple through generations, ultimately affecting who receives the firstborn blessing in Genesis 49. But the story doesn't end there. In Genesis 35:1–7, God breaks the silence with a powerful course correction, calling Jacob back to Bethel — back to the place where God first revealed Himself. This teaching explores what happens when God's people act on their own impulses rather than seeking His counsel, and the hope that comes when we finally turn back to Him. No matter how far off course we've gone, God remains faithful to His covenant and ready to restore those who return to Him.

What happens when three months of fasting, prayer, and mourning collide with one pivotal moment before the king? In this week's Forward Motion, we dive into Nehemiah Chapter 2 and discover how Nehemiah's consistent character and continuous prayer life positioned him for a bold, God-sized ask. From the danger of showing sadness before a king who could take your life, to the courage it took to request not just time off but letters, lumber, and a blank check — Nehemiah shows us what it looks like to trust God in the tension. We also explore the often-overlooked power of "micro-prayers" — those quick, in-the-moment conversations with God that keep us surrendered and aligned with His will throughout the day. Whether you're waiting on God to open a door, facing an intimidating conversation, or wondering if your everyday work even matters — this episode will challenge you to see your life as a mission field and your prayer life as the fuel that keeps you moving forward.Chapter References: Nehemiah 2:1–8 | 1 Thessalo

Pastor Ron challenges every believer to stop settling and start pursuing "good success" — the kind that brings the greatest reward in heaven and on earth. Drawing from Proverbs 3, James 1, and throughout Scripture, he lays out eight practical requirements for obtaining wisdom: fear the Lord, find her, listen, remember, ask, believe, obey, and apply. This isn't prosperity gospel — it's a 100% guaranteed promise from God's Word that those who pursue wisdom with their whole heart will experience transformation in their families, finances, peace, and purpose. The question isn't whether you can be successful — it's whether you will choose the path of wisdom to get there.Scripture References:Proverbs 3:1-8, 13-20Proverbs 1:5, 7, 20-22Proverbs 8:1-9, 20-21Proverbs 9:9Proverbs 14:12Proverbs 15:33Proverbs 8:13Job 28:28Psalm 1:1-3Psalm 119:10-12, 20Matthew 4:3-4Matthew 6:33Matthew 25:29Colossians 3:1-2James 1:5-8James 3:13, 17Hebrews 11:6John 14:15Deuteronomy 4:5-6

In this powerful exploration of Genesis 31-33, we discover how Jacob's journey from deceiver to Israel reveals the transformative power of reconciliation. After 20 years of manipulation and tension, Jacob finally makes peace with his father-in-law Laban, encounters God's angels, wrestles with the divine, and reconciles with his brother Esau. This message challenges us to examine our own broken relationships and understand that reconciliation isn't just about fixing human connections—it's an act of worship to the King. Through Jacob's story, we learn that God encounters us when we make peace with our enemies, and that our testimony—our "limp"—should mark us forever as people transformed by an encounter with the living God.Chapter ReferencesGenesis 31:41-55 - Jacob and Laban's covenant of peaceGenesis 32:1-2 - Jacob meets God's angelsGenesis 32:3-21 - Jacob prepares to meet EsauGenesis 32:22-32 - Jacob wrestles with God and receives a new nameGenesis 33:1-20 - Reconciliation with EsauHosea 12:2-6 - Prophetic re

Just like NASA's $156 million Mariner 1 spacecraft failed because of a single missing character in its code, our marriages can self-destruct when we refuse to fix the errors in our relationship "software." In this practical and convicting message from 1 Peter 3:1-7, we discover four critical "bugs" that threaten marriages: the competition bug, the cosmetic bug, the ignorance bug, and the indifference bug. Whether you've been married for decades or are preparing for marriage, this message offers God's "update" to help your marriage not just survive, but thrive. Your marriage affects more than just you—it impacts your kids, your witness, and everyone around you. Don't let another day go by without installing these essential updates.