Northridge Church Anchorage

Pastor Brian continues the "Rooted in Christ" series by unpacking 2 Thessalonians 2. He explains Paul’s warnings about lawlessness and the man of lawlessness, encourages submission to God’s truth over culture’s feelings, and reminds the church not to be alarmed or deceived by counterfeit promises. 

Our series on 2 Thessalonians begins with a glimpse of God's perfect justice. Can faith and love grow in the shadows of persecution and trials? Paul and the early church thought so. They also believed that God would reward them in due time and bring perfect order to our chaotic world. The speaker challenges listeners to be introspective about their own hearts- asking ourselves whether our responses mirror those of the believers in Paul's time. 

He is Risen! This Easter sermon celebrates Jesus’ resurrection as the decisive victory over sin and death. Christ's death and resurrection pays the penalty of our debt and empowers believers to walk boldly with the Spirit. 

Paul's message from 1 Thessalonians 5 urges believers to live as "children of the light," ready and sober for the Lord's unpredictable return. He contrasts destruction for the unprepared with transformation and hope for those in Christ. The believer has both a personal task list and a corporate one as we await to spend eternity with one another. 

The Rooted Series wraps up in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 with Paul's admonition of Jesus' second coming. Believers are encouraged to live expectantly in the future reality of our resurrection with Christ. One day, we will have new citizenship, new bodies, and a joy that will be made complete. 

Pastor Brian explores 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12, calling believers to live in a way that is pleasing to God through the means of sanctification.  The text highlights the importance of abstaining from sexual immorality, growing in brotherly love, and pursuing a quiet, hardworking life that honors Christ.

In this text, Paul celebrates Timothy's report that the young church in Thessalonica is faithful despite persecution. He praises their obedience, urges continued discipleship, and prays for holiness and hope as believers live in light of Christ's return. Believers today can pursue this charge to build one another up, pursue spiritual growth, and live expectantly for Jesus with joy in their relationships. 

Contrary to the hope of many believers, Christians must be prepared and willing to endure suffering and affliction for Christ's name sake. Difficulty is not a reflection of God's faithlessness, but rather a necessary part in our spiritual walks. Pastor Brian dissects the message behind 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 & 3 to encourage each person to stand firm in their trials for an eternal reward. 

1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 is a testament of Paul's authentic faith and ministry. Readers remember the mental, physical, legal and relational suffering he endured at the hands of both Jewish and Roman influences. Our ministry today- although perhaps not plagued by physical persecution, will also endure hardships and criticism. The modern believer must allow these tests to become testimonies of God's goodness, and ensure that their public response matches their inward conviction. 

Pastor Brian kicks off our new series "Rooted in Christ," a study of 1 Thessalonians. An exploration of verses 1-10 reveal a call to the church to be rooted in the Word of God and the leading of the Spirit. As Northridge Church continues to seek the Lord's will for our community, we're encouraged to share our testimonies and the gospel boldly and to choose God-given joy over fear in trials.     

Cliff Kraemer shares his personal testimony of growing up in a difficult home, struggling with loneliness and a sinful lifestyle and how turning points led him to faith in Christ. He recounts his younger years of moving to Alaska and starting a family, and the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing him into church community. You'll be encouraged by Cliff's story of God's steadiness in the ups and downs of life. 

Like early Jewish believers, we are "Expectant in the Waiting," and today we're tracing Old Testament promises through a 400‑year silence to the hopeful arrival of Jesus in Luke 2. The fulfillment of God's timing and faithfulness is culminated in the miracle of Christmas! 

Each week, over 80 millions Americans gather for some type of religious service. Why do so many people gather? And more importantly- why do we gather? To keep with the vision of being gospel-centered and city-focused, Northridge Church will focus on five elements in 2026: active discipleship, sharing testimonies, life in community, evangelism & outreach, and inviting others. 

The 2025 Advent series "Expectant in the Waiting" concludes with an examination of Luke 2 and the memorable story of Simeon. We don't know much about him, but Simeon continues to be an example of godly perseverance in everyday obedience to present-day Christians. With humility we can follow his example and can hope that, like him, we will be found "righteous and devout" and filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Luke 2 describes the birth of Jesus and the reality of God’s extravagant, sacrificial love revealed in Christ. Christians are meant to receive that love, let it fill them, and become ‘‘rivers of living water’’—bringing healing, mercy, and life to a hurting world.

Imagine being visited by an angel on the night that the Savior of the world is born. True joy is lasting and worshipful. We read of the angels' heavenly declaration in Luke 2:8-20 and find examples of how to practice holy happiness. 

Today's big question: Are you owning the authority that God has given you to experience supernatural peace in your circumstances? Jesus is known to many as the "Prince of Peace," so then why do many of us feel so much anxiety? In this advent season, pastor Brian invites us to practice shalom during the holidays through practical steps and communion with God and his people. 

What does Jesus mean when he calls himself the "vine" and God the "gardener"? Who are the branches and what does the analogy mean? Today's sermon walks through John 15 and will summarize God's intent and heart for all of his people. Upon first look, being pruned sounds painful and harsh. But through exploration we find that it is God's work of grace that will molds us into his image.   

Every person has an internal narrative that informs their identity. That is to say, each of us has a story about ourselves that we believe and internalize.  As we look at Psalm 139, our guest speaker Justin identifies four established truths. God knows everything about us, there is no place we can go where he is not, God did a wonderful job when he made you, and God is thinking about you all of the time. 

Jesus charged his followers with making disciples, and we largely continue that charge today through the ministry and work of the local church. In this sermon, Pastor Brian discusses his journey of planting a church with the support of Acts 29 ministries and the challenges of starting something new in the midst of COVID-19. However, one thing always remains true, where God calls he always provides.   

This episode wraps a six-week series on relationships and focuses on the church as an intimate connection that we must protect and build. Acts 2 demonstrates how the early Christians intentionally devoted themselves to each other and the mission of making disciples- which we now do primarily through the local gathering of believers in "church."  

From Proverbs 3, this sermon challenges listeners to prioritize gospel-centered relationships with children by being intentional, trusting God over worldly wisdom, and remembering it’s never too late to re-engage. Children want to be known and understood. As their parent or a godly authority figure, you can set the example of how to prioritize a life of faith while still being relatable. 

Marriage is a relationship worth fighting for. This message explores the gift of Biblical marriage by emphasizing honor and a shared mission. Using Priscilla and Aquila as a biblical example, Scripture shows how couples can serve God together through hospitality, discipleship, and unified ministry. The message applies to everyone—married or single—calling listeners to pursue God first, build community, and ask how they can serve God better together.    

A full life can only be lived in close proximity to others. This episode dives into Acts 20–21 and explores how the gospel leads to deep spiritual friendships. The text highlights three important truths: biblical friendship is needed, it is discovered through unity in Jesus, and must be actively formed. 

This episode challenges believers to recognize the spiritual battle against the family and offers practical principles for cultivating a godly home. It is clear throughout scripture that God places value on family relationships and building a righteous legacy. No matter your family dynamics or circumstance, we all have something to gain by considering how scripture calls us to fight for love and peace in every relationship.    

This 5-week series will walk through our perspective on relationships and their true, God-given purpose. Today we start with the most important relationship of all- our fellowship with God. This relationship will drive our attitude towards all others, and will inform the way we decide to "show up" in marriage, friendships, parenting, etc. God wants your heart and wants to restore you to His mission. 

Maybe you've heard the old adage "nothing worthwhile comes easy." This is probably especially true of Biblical community. It is true that living life in close proximity to others is hard. It takes sacrifice, inconveniencing yourself, and sometimes good ol' fashioned grit. But the rewards you will reap are priceless. There is nothing quite like being truly known and cared for, it is one of our core needs as humans. God designed us this way- to long for community with Him and others. 

You're a devoted Christian, but sometimes you find yourself asking "am I really reaching anyone for Christ?" At times, it can be difficult to reconcile our head-knowledge of the Bible with real world impact on those who are lost. This week's spotlight is all about practical outworkings of our faith. You'll hear from executive director of Beacon Hill Kristen Bierma and Care Portal Lead Robert Hall as they discuss the why and how of nonprofit ministry within the church. Allow yourself to be moved by the Spirit and ask yourself if there is something the Lord is asking you to sacrifice in order to gain eternal riches. 

Does your life produce evidence of your devotion to Jesus? Many people say that they know Jesus or even follow Him, but when you look at their fruit it does not look very Christ-like. In this sermon we review true what it means to have true obedience to the teachings of Jesus.

Mark Bouman shares his incredible life story, from a turbulent childhood to a civil war in East Asia, and how the Lord has provided for his every need. He gives us life lessons from beyond the trenches and encourages us to trust that God is turning our wounding into riches. 

This episode concludes our summer series 'Words of Wisdom'- seeking God's guidance for everyday life. Proverbs 9 utilizes the metaphor of two women to contrast wisdom with folly, and paints a clear picture of the opposing destination of these two paths. Proverbs encourages us to set our eyes on things above so that our minds will follow in the righteous way of the Lord. 

We all carry past hurt. The Bible gives us a pathway for true healing and forgiveness. Open Proverbs with us as we discover what God says about how to live freely through Him. 

Godly wisdom differs from the wisdom of man. God promises in His word that if we diligently seek, we will find Him. What are you seeking after today? In this message you will find principles for living a life informed by heavenly wisdom rather than the world's empty promises. 

Continuing with our summer series in Proverbs, this sermon highlights how our relationship with God should influence our approach to work- emphasizing the importance of seeing work as an extension of worship. In God's economy, work and rest exist in harmony to allow us to live a life of meaning and purpose. 

In ancient times, people trusted in their chariots and military might to protect them. Today, we place our hope in money, careers, relationships, and anything else that might promise to fulfill. Psalm 20 reminds us that God alone can be trusted, and our hope is best-placed in Him to be our savior and provider. 

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight." A familiar verse to many, but what does it mean to "acknowledge God" in everything? In this message we explore how KNOWING God in everything is the key to favor, peace, and a solid foundation. 

Our guest speaker Gene explores the question of why God allows turbulence and adversity in our lives. God is not removed from you in times of struggle- he is with you "in the boat." In his mercy, God is refining you in the fire so that you can come to greater understanding of your true identity and His love. 

Paul writes in this last chapter of Galatians that there is nothing to boast in except our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you marked by that kind of humility, or do you spend your time thinking of how you will achieve the next personal milestone? In this sermon, you will be challenged to strongly consider what your speech says about you and your priorities. 

A Christian is set apart by their spirit-led life. They are marked by gentleness, humility, and discipleship. In chapter 6, Paul gives us goals and an exhortation to not grow weary in our worthwhile quest to be more like Christ. 

Paul uses a thousand-year-old allegory of Abraham and Sarah to explain the difference between the "old law" and the "new law." Just as Abraham learned, God's way is always best- even if it's not always easy. What is God calling you to lay at His feet in faith? 

Jesus' resurrection changes everything! Because He is RISEN, we can have hope and new life. Christians can experience true freedom because our God is alive and working in us! This reality should prompt us to live boldly with love. 

We often let our own expectations and personal convictions poison our relationship with others. We hold other people to a standard that God has not placed on them. Where are we letting legalism or criticism creep into our relationships?  Like Paul, we should focus on the freedom that we have in Christ and allow that to change people's hearts. 

What does it mean to an heir of God's promise? By grace, through faith, we are now sons and daughters of God Himself! Galatians 3 & 4 explain that there is no distinction between ethnicity, gender, economic status or any other divisive label in God's family. We are all equal co-heirs of his kingdom, and that is the greatest identity that we could ever wear. 

God displays His father-heart for us by entering into a covenantal relationship with His people. He establishes a perfect law, but also provides the answer for our weakness through Jesus Christ. God desires to know you as a His own child; will you accept His invitation to grace? 

Are all major world religions basically the same? What makes Christianity so unique? While, at first glance, some people may see similarities between all faiths, there are unique markers to each- and to Christianity in particular. Paul references his conversion to Christ at the end of Galatians Chapter 1 and speaks to the power of the divine adoption. 

We often enslave ourselves to the impossible standards of righteous works and of the law. In Jesus, we are set free from the curse of the law and He is our imputed righteousness! Galatians 3 explains how faith is more valuable than works, and that in Christ there is freedom from condemnation. 

Paul continues in his description of the gospel by addressing misconceptions. He explains what the gospel "is not," and urges Christians not to lead people astray with their hypocritical actions. 

In the first chapter of Galatians we learned that the gospel alone saves, but what does a transformed life look like? It is one thing to believe that we are saved by God's grace; it is another thing to embody it. In chapter 2 we will explore some of the signs of a life and attitude that is molded by Jesus. 

This series kicks off with Paul's introduction to the Galatian churches and his immediate rebuke of the way in which they've strayed from his original teachings. Paul makes it clear in this short passage that there is nothing to be added to the true gospel. The good news of Christ's salvation does not necessitate legalism or supplemental works. Jesus' death and resurrection is the complete and final work. 

As we wrap up the last section of Malachi, God reiterates the same call to His people. God is seeking a heart of submission and trust. Despite the sobering words of this book we can have hope because He granted us salvation from death in Jesus Christ.