Who do you think the anointed prince is, and why does the prophecy of the destruction of the temple bring us hope? This sermon explores the prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel 9, arguing that the text points primarily to Jesus Christ as the anointed prince who fulfills the covenant rather than merely predicting historical events like Antiochus Epiphanes. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus serves a dual role as both restorer and destroyer, ending the old sacrificial system by becoming the perfect sacrifice for sin. By interpreting the vision through this theological lens, the message highlights how Christ destroys false works-righteousness while offering eternal righteousness to believers. The central theme urges listeners to reject self-justification and find their sole hope in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Ultimately, the passage provides comfort by assuring that God controls history and brings peace through His sovereign plan.

Yet Peter's first epistle begins this way: He tells his readers, scattered throughout the Roman world, all about themselves. Why? Clearly the apostle is burdened that his readers never forget who they are, whose they are, and where they're headed. If you forget who you are and whose you are and where you're headed... well, you're not going to think rightly, nor live rightly, in a world that seems increasingly strange to you. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope...," 1 Peter 1:3 (LSB). Peter writes to remind homeward-bound Christians of the living hope that is theirs—and ours—as those who are chosen, scattered and tested. This Lord's Day we'll begin our look at 1 Peter and its rich instruction for us as Christian pilgrims on our way home. Join us as we consider, "Homeward Bound: Chosen, Scattered, Tested." Prepare for Sunday: Read 1 Peter in its entirety. What major themes dominate this letter? In the opening verses, what descriptions of Peter's readers apply to believers today? How do these descriptions impart hope to you? Where do you most need this hope in your daily life? Be specific. Note: This Sunday is also a Communion Sunday. Let's prepare our hearts now for this important time of remembrance and consecration

He Who Alone is Worthy Phil. 4:8-9 Things to Think On Series #7

The sermon exhorts believers to view church leaders as humble ministers and stewards of God's mysteries rather than celebrity figures. Paul and Apollos were examples to ministers to also be humble servants. Drawing primarily from 1 Corinthians 4, the message contrasts true spiritual service with the worldly pursuit of fame and human wisdom. It emphasizes that faithfulness to Scripture is the only valid measure of success in ministry, rejecting external metrics like wealth or attendance. The preacher warns against premature judgment of others, urging reliance on God's ultimate discernment and the fruit of the Spirit. Ultimately, the text calls for a posture of humility, patience, and enduring gratitude in all circumstances.

Deserving of Praise Phil. 4:8-9 Things to Think On Series #8

Why would the disciples be so sure that Jesus as King was going to bring the Kingdom in? This isn't just a rhetorical question. We often speak of Jesus and forget just how amazing and how big the miracles that He did were. We look at the disciples and think they must have been so hard of heart to not understand all the times that He said "I'm going to die." Yet it wasn't just their hard hearts, it was that everyone was watching Jesus. Everyone thought that the King was coming. Join us as we see the King's entry into Jerusalem.

I. Correct Things A. Things that are True B. Honest - Morally Correct C. Just - Morally RIght II. Clean A. Pure - undefiled B. Lovely - Attractive C. Good Report III. Exalted A. Virtue B. Praise

This sermon defines biblical worship as a response to God's self-revelation, emphasizing that it must originate in the renewed mind before affecting affections and will. Drawing primarily from Romans 12, the text argues that true worship is grounded in theological truth rather than mere emotional experience. The preacher stresses the necessity of meditating on Scripture to transform thinking and align it with God's character. By rejecting cultural distractions and passive consumption, believers are called to actively engage their intellects in spiritual warfare through deep contemplation of divine truths. This intellectual engagement ultimately leads to genuine reverence, awe, and the exaltation of God's glory in worship.

If you read the news, you might be convinced that our country is going to implode shortly, wars will break out in every part of the world, and life is going to be too difficult for you in the very near future. A few years ago, some people were afraid to have children thinking that it was irresponsible to bring children into such a topsy-turvy world. The truth is that things are not usually as bad as the news indicates. Life goes on apart from what happens in Hollywood and Washington. But there are still some things that cause anxiety for us. We look at health needs, family problems, financial troubles, and start to believe that the future is bleak. But was it any different at this point with the disciples of Jesus? Jesus had just announced that one of the disciples would betray Him and that Peter would deny Him three times. On top of that, He was headed to the cross where He would die. To the disciples, the future looked very bleak. What could Jesus say to encourage them at this difficult time?

Christians are continually being influenced by the messages, values, and ideas surrounding them. Romans 12:1–2 calls believers not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed through the renewing of their minds. In this episode of Anchored in the Word, Dave Jenkins explains how the Word of God reshapes the believer's thinking, desires, decisions, and conduct. He considers the difference between external behavior modification and the inward transformation produced by God through His truth. Dave also provides three practical ways Christians can pursue a renewed mind: consistently reading Scripture, evaluating their assumptions according to God's Word, and meditating on biblical truth. Because believers are united to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is actively renewing them and conforming them to Christ through the Word of God. For more from Anchored in the Word, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/anchored-in-the-wordpage/