Ankeny Free Church

In our instant-everything culture, waiting has become almost extinct, yet the most important things in life rarely happen instantly. Joseph faced an impossible situation when Mary was found pregnant, forcing him into uncertainty and confusion. Despite not understanding God's plan, Joseph chose mercy and restraint. When God revealed through an angel that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Joseph obeyed immediately. God's people had waited thousands of years for the Messiah, and their patience was finally rewarded. Waiting isn't God's absence but His preparation, growing our patience, trust, and faith while He works in ways we can't see yet.https://www.ankenyfree.church

The period between the Old and New Testaments reveals God's sovereignty through dramatic historical events. From Persian rule that allowed Jewish return to Jerusalem, through Alexander's Greek conquest and empire division, to the Maccabean revolt and eventual Roman domination, God remained faithful to His people. The detailed prophecies in Daniel 11 accurately predicted these events, including the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes and the temple's defilement. This historical backdrop prepared the world for Christ's arrival, with Roman infrastructure facilitating gospel spread. Despite political chaos and human failure, God's faithfulness endures, encouraging us to trust His sovereignty in our own uncertain times.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Daniel 12 reveals two eternal destinations awaiting humanity - everlasting life or everlasting contempt. The wicked operate independently of God, believing in their own strength, while the wise recognize their need for the Lord. During unprecedented times of trouble, God calls His people to persevere through ordinary faithfulness. Daniel and his friends demonstrated that simple, consistent obedience to God can accomplish extraordinary things. Through daily acts of faithfulness like prayer, integrity, worship, and kindness, believers can shine like stars and help turn others toward righteousness.https://www.ankenyfree.church

The prophet Daniel, living in exile under Persian rule, studied Jeremiah's prophecy about Israel's 70-year captivity and was moved to pray for his people's restoration. His powerful prayer wasn't based on his own righteousness but on God's mercy, as he confessed the collective sins that led to exile: neglecting God's commands, treating people brutally, and worshipping false gods. God responded through the angel Gabriel with the Seventy Weeks prophecy, promising to finish transgression, end sin, atone for iniquity, bring everlasting righteousness, seal vision and prophet, and anoint a most holy place. These promises point directly to Christ's redemptive work. For us today, this teaches that we need hope and redemption rather than just pain relief, that true confession brings healing, and that God's perfect character gives us confidence in His timing.https://www.ankenyfree.church

David's life teaches us about facing two types of giants: the obvious ones like Goliath that paralyze us with fear, and the hidden ones within our hearts that can destroy us from within. When David faced Goliath as a teenager, he trusted in God's power rather than his own strength, declaring that the battle belonged to the Lord. Years later as king, David faced a different giant when he allowed boredom and desire to lead him into adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. External giants require faith in God's power to overcome impossible circumstances. Internal giants require surrendered hearts that allow God to create purity within us. Victory over both types of giants comes through Jesus Christ alone.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Apocalyptic literature like Daniel and Revelation uses symbolic language, visions, and numbers to communicate God's sovereignty over history. Rather than getting lost in identifying every symbol, we should focus on the main message: God is in control, Jesus is returning, and believers are called to faithful perseverance. Christians hold different views about end times events, but the essentials remain the same - Christ's bodily return and our need to live faithfully while we wait. The 70 weeks prophecy in Daniel demonstrates remarkable prophetic precision while maintaining interpretive complexity that keeps us dependent on God rather than our own understanding.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Daniel's vision in chapter 8 reveals a pattern of evil that believers can understand and navigate. The prophecy describes the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who brutally persecuted God's people for approximately six years before being defeated. This historical account teaches us three vital truths for persevering through difficult times. First, evil follows predictable patterns, so we shouldn't be surprised when persecution or hardship arises. Second, evil always has God-imposed limits and is temporary in nature. Third, and most importantly, evil lacks the power of Jesus Christ, who transforms enemies into family through His grace and offers ultimate victory to all who belong to Him.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Two ancient empires, Assyria and Babylon, repeatedly opposed God's people in the Old Testament, each representing different forms of evil. Assyria was a brutal war machine that loved violence and conquest, destroying the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and scattering the ten tribes. Babylon, in contrast, was a sophisticated cultural center that prided itself on achievements like the Hanging Gardens, but their true danger lay in their arrogant self-sufficiency and belief that they were the center of the cosmos. While Assyria represents obvious evil through cruelty and violence, Babylon symbolizes the more subtle temptation of pride, cultural sophistication, and materialism. Both empires ultimately fell due to their opposition to God, teaching us that evil comes in different forms and that we must guard against both obvious sins and subtle pride in our own lives.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Daniel chapter 7 reveals the spiritual battle raging behind world events through a vision of four terrifying beasts representing evil kingdoms throughout history. In the midst of this chaos, the Ancient of Days (God the Father) sits on his throne in judgment, while the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) receives eternal dominion over an indestructible kingdom. This passage teaches Christians that the world is not fine as we often tell ourselves, but rather we live in the midst of spiritual warfare. The key to persevering through dark times is becoming part of God's kingdom through faith in Christ and regularly gathering with other believers for worship and encouragement.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Daniel's story reveals what unwavering faith looks like in practice. At 85 years old, serving under the Medo-Persian empire, Daniel maintained such integrity that his enemies couldn't find any fault with his character or work. When they devised a trap through a royal decree forbidding prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel refused to compromise. He continued his daily prayer routine, facing Jerusalem three times a day, choosing conviction over convenience. God miraculously protected him in the lion's den, demonstrating that faithful obedience is never in vain. Daniel's example points us to Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, who has already defeated our spiritual enemy and calls us to stand firm in faith regardless of the cost.https://www.ankenyfree.church

The fall of Babylon in 539 B.C. reveals timeless truths about pride and divine judgment. King Belshazzar's arrogant feast, using sacred temple vessels to mock God, led to supernatural writing on the wall declaring his kingdom's end. Despite knowing his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar's humbling by God, Belshazzar hardened his heart in pride. Daniel interpreted the mysterious words as God's final judgment - the king had been weighed and found wanting. That very night, Belshazzar died and his kingdom fell, demonstrating that every heart will ultimately be measured by God's eternal standard.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Nebuchadnezzar's testimony in Daniel 4 reveals how God deals with human pride. As the most powerful ruler of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar received a troubling dream about a great tree being cut down, which Daniel interpreted as God's coming judgment on the king's pride. After boasting about his achievements, Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God, living like an animal for seven periods until he acknowledged God's sovereignty. This powerful account teaches us three crucial truths: God is great and deserves our humility, God is glorious and worthy of our worship, and God is good, showing mercy even to those who have rebelled against Him.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Faith in the Furnace explores how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated unwavering faith when faced with King Nebuchadnezzar's demand to worship a golden idol. Their three-dimensional faith—assurance in God's ability, confidence in His deliverance, and submission to His will regardless of outcome—led to divine intervention in the fiery furnace. This biblical account challenges us to examine our own 'God Plus' tendencies, where we want God alongside comfort, approval, or success. True faith means standing firm for God even when everyone else bows down to cultural idols, knowing that God doesn't abandon us in our trials but joins us in them.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Daniel 2 reveals God's sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms through Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a statue representing four successive empires. When faced with an impossible demand to reveal and interpret the king's dream, Daniel seeks God in prayer with his friends. God reveals both the dream and its meaning, showing how all human kingdoms will eventually fall while God's kingdom, represented by a stone that becomes a mountain, will endure forever. This narrative challenges us to place our ultimate allegiance in God's eternal kingdom rather than temporary earthly powers, finding courage to live as citizens of heaven even while serving faithfully in this world.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Living faithfully in a challenging world requires wisdom from biblical examples like Daniel. When taken into Babylonian captivity, Daniel faced systematic attempts to change his identity, beliefs, and lifestyle. Yet he strategically maintained his convictions while still functioning within the system he couldn't escape. He identified non-negotiables, respectfully proposed alternatives, and trusted God with the results. Today, we face similar pressures to assimilate to cultural values at odds with our faith. By being intentional about what forms our thinking, identifying our non-negotiables, and looking for strategic alternatives, we can maintain our integrity while still engaging effectively with the world around us.https://www.ankenyfree.church

The final chapter of Acts shows Paul under house arrest in Rome, yet still boldly proclaiming the gospel without hindrance. This seemingly abrupt ending powerfully illustrates the central message: nothing can stop God's mission. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and countless other obstacles throughout his ministry, Paul continued to share the message of Christ. This truth gives us both hope that God's purposes will prevail despite opposition and boldness to speak with clarity and confidence. The greatest hindrance many face today isn't persecution but distraction from comfortable lives pulling focus away from God's mission.https://www.ankenyfree.church

In Acts 27, Paul faces a life-threatening storm at sea while being transported to Rome as a prisoner. Despite the captain's poor decisions and a hurricane-force storm that destroys their ship, Paul stands firm on God's promise that he will reach Rome and testify about Jesus there. When all hope seems lost, Paul receives divine reassurance that everyone aboard will survive, which proves true when all 276 passengers safely reach shore after the shipwreck. The unexpected detour to Malta becomes an opportunity for ministry as Paul heals many sick people during their three-month stay. This story powerfully illustrates how God's plans prevail through storms, and how our difficulties often become platforms for His glory and mission.https://www.ankenyfree.church

 Sometimes the world turns, and God seems absent. But He is there, working even when it isn't easily seen.  Watch or listen now to this week's message from our series in Acts: To the Ends of the Earth Needing a Favor (Acts 25:1-27) - with Pastor Todd Hessel.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Acts: To the ends of the earth "Cheerfully Making Your Defense" | Guest Speaker: Bob Bresserthttps://www.ankenyfree.church

When this world "flings dust into the air," we must remember three things. . . Listen now to this inspired message from guest preacher Bob Bressert.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Sometimes our stories feel ordinary, superficial, or painful. But the Gospel changes our stories into great stories that bring hope to people and glory to the Lord. Watch or listen now to this week's message from the book of Acts!Acts: to the ends of the earth "Being misunderstood"Acts 21:37-22:29 with Pastor Todd Hesselhttps://www.ankenyfree.church

 Chaos can reign in multiple ways. Paul shows a clear path in the midst of this - a devotion to the Lord by loving others. Watch or listen to this week's message from our series in Acts: To the Ends of the Earth | Submitting to the Train WreckActs 21:17-36 - With Pastor Todd Hessel.https://www.ankenyfree.church

How do we know the will of the Lord? Is it simply a matter of avoiding pain or difficulty? This week, we will explore this question so that we can follow the Lord with greater confidence.Acts 21:1-16 "The will of the Lord" With Pastor Todd Hessel.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Acts: To the ends of the earth "Speech to the Ephesian elders" | Guest Speaker: Hunter Thorpe.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Are you feeding your soul through godly connection, or are you starving because isolation's become normal?https://www.ankenyfree.church

"The Most Important Question" From the Gospel of Mark - With Guest Speaker James Lauderdale.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Getting God wrong can make a mess of things. The question we need to ask ourselves: do we have confidence in the Lord or do we want to control Him?Listen to this week's message now! Acts 19:1-20 "Theological Errors" with Pastor Todd Hessel.https://www.ankenyfree.church

 While we may not see figurines of silver in our houses, we still have idols today. This passage shows the destructive nature of idols - both personally and for society. Watch or listen now to this week's powerful message from Acts 19, "The Gospel encounters an idol," With Pastor Todd Hessel.https://www.ankenyfree.church

How can you find encouragement in the life the Lord has given you? We will look at what the Lord does for His worker, not just His work. Watch or listen to this week's message now! Acts: To the ends of the earth "Gospel Drama" with Pastor Todd Hessel https://www.ankenyfree.church

People react differently when the Gospel of Christ is proclaimed. How will you respond? Watch or listen now!https://www.ankenyfree.church

"Jesus wears the crown and turns the world upside down."https://www.ankenyfree.church

 The Lord breaks bonds and His Gospel sets us free, but how? Have you been set free? Watch or listen to this week's powerful message from Acts chapter 16:16-40 with Pastor Todd Hessel.https://www.ankenyfree.church

The Spirit of God opens doors and opens hearts. Is your heart open?https://www.ankenyfree.church

Baptism Sunday Celebration Servicehttps://www.ankenyfree.church

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection Changes Us. Has it changed you? Listen now to this powerful message from Lead Pastor Todd Hessel. Ankeny Free Church | Easter 2025https://www.ankenyfree.church

Conflict is painful but inevitable. Learn how we should navigate conflict.https://www.ankenyfree.church

Each of us must choose - to Rejoice in the Gospel or to Reject it. What will you choose?

Acts: to the ends of the earth "The Gospel is Sent to Save the Blind" | Acts 13:1-12 | Pastor J.D. Abellhttps://www.ankenyfree.church

God's sovereign expansion of the Gospel is not hindered by kings, public sentiment, or even violence. This passage teaches us some lessons about pride, persecution, and prayer. https://www.ankenyfree.church

God miraculously forms His church using ordinary ingredients. And the people started calling the believers - Christianshttps://www.ankenyfree.church

The Gospel going to everyone is no small thing. But it is a key thing. Listen now to this message from our series in the book of Acts - With Pastor Todd Hessel // Acts 10:1-48https://www.ankenyfree.church

The Lord is not simply at work in a few but in many people. No small parts exist in the drama of Christ's unfolding Gospel expansion. https://www.ankenyfree.church

Jesus said that he would show Saul how much he must suffer for His name. Now we see what that looks like for him and what that can look like for us. Listen now!https://www.ankenyfree.church

 Jesus can completely change your life. Which way are you heading? Watch or listen now to this week's message from the book of Acts. "This is the Way".https://www.ankenyfree.church

Can our circumstances keep us from God? See how God sends Philip to give surprising insight to an unlikely convert. https://www.ankenyfree.church

 What does it mean to be great? In Acts 8:4-25, we see the greatness of the Gospel collide with worldly greatness. Acts: to the ends of the earth: Philip and the MagicianActs 8:4-25 with Pastor Todd Hessel. https://www.ankenyfree.church