Hayden Bible Church

The church in America enjoys an unusual kindness of God's providence. Our liberty to worship and serve God as He leads, though not without opposition, is rare compared to the experience of Christians throughout the world in any age. Daniel's prophecy prepares us for the reality that God's people face persecution throughout history; our future is not one of ease, but perseverance. For now we live in the age of monstrous beasts—worldly kingdoms that, for a season, are permitted to wage war against the saints. But the beasts are not ultimate. One day, the saints will be vindicated forever. "... The saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come," Daniel 7:18 (LSB). Heaven's interpretation of Daniel's prophetic vision gives sober encouragement to God's people: we're called to keep our eyes fixed on heaven's throne room and live, not in dread or pessimism, but with courage anchored in Christ's kingdom. The saints of all ages triumph not by escaping persecution, but by enduring faithfully through it. This Lord's Day, we'll return to Daniel 7 and its interpretation of Daniel's beastly dream. Join us as we consider "Back to the Future: From Chaos to Conquest." Prepare for Sunday: Read Daniel 7 once more, focusing this time on verses 9-28. Why is Daniel troubled by the vision? According to verses 17-18, what is the vision's basic meaning? How is the fourth beast different from the others? What does the word "until" convey to you in verse 22? How does Daniel 7 help you fix your eyes on Christ's present reign, rather than fear of current events? How, specifically, can you live with hope and coura

It's always tempting to immediately connect Bible prophecy to our moment. We scan today's headlines, trying to match current events with Scripture. But that instinct, if left unchecked, leads more often to confusion than clarity. "... Four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another," Daniel 7:3 (LSB). So begins Daniel's prophetic vision of global chaos and cruelty—not in our future, but in his. "I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and came near before Him," Daniel 7:13. What Daniel saw was not the end of the world, but the turning point of human history: the moment when the Son of Man—Jesus Christ—ascended to heaven after His life, death, and resurrection and was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom. Daniel's vision shows us that before we can understand the chaos of history, we must first see the reign of Christ. Only then can we respond rightly to God's work in our chaotic present, and face our future with confidence. This Lord's Day, we'll return to our study of Daniel and its apocalyptic vision of world history and Christ's sovereign reign. Join us as we turn to Daniel 7:1-14 and consider, "Back to the Future: The King's Ascension." Prepare your heart: Read and meditate on Daniel 7 (especially verses 1-14), and revisit Daniel 2. How are the four beasts in Daniel's vision similar? How are they different? What changes the scene in verses 9-10? Who is "like a Son of Man"? Where, specifically, is He going? What is given to Him? How does Daniel 7 compare with Daniel 2? What do these verses teach us about human h

Union with Christ means union with His people. This blood-bought unity is precious and worthy of protection and care. "... Walk worthy of the calling with which you have been called...," Ephesians 4:1 (LSB). Last Sunday, we saw what Christ has made His church to be: one body with many diverse members, committed to one another. This Lord's Day, we'll turn to Ephesians to see how the body is called to live together. Unity is not created by the church—it's a gift from the Spirit of God, powerful in its source yet fragile in our hands. This oneness runs deeper than shared preferences and affection. We live worthy of our calling as we relate to one another "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," Ephesians 4:2-3. These unity-preserving virtues are vital to the church functioning as one body. They ensure that each member's diverse gifts contribute to our maturity in Christ and our witness to the world. By God's design, our unity is not anchored to feelings alone, but to truth, so that Scripture shapes not only what we believe, but how we relate to one another. I hope you'll join us this Sunday as we continue our short series on "God's Glorious Church," and consider "The Life of Christ's People." Get ready: Read and meditate on Ephesians 4:1-16. What is the calling Paul refers to in verse 1? Which commands in verses 2 and 3 are internal? Which are relational? According to verses 13-16, what is the ultimate goal of the church's growth? Where might Christ be calling you to step more fully into your role in the body? Ask yourself: Am I living

The Bride of Christ. God's household. Heaven's embassy on earth. Scripture describes the church these ways and more, declaring that God's people—redeemed and gathered—relate to Him and one another in a unique and vital union. "Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it," 1 Corinthians 12:27 (LSB). The church is not merely the unseen collection of saints throughout history, but also visibly expressed in local churches. By God's design, "church" is not an event to attend, nor a provider of religious services, but a dynamic body of Spirit-led members, each dependent upon and committed to the others. This Lord's Day we'll begin a short series on God's Glorious Church and introduce a new HBC Membership Covenant that spells out and celebrates what God calls us to as members of Christ's body, His church. Please join us this Sunday as we turn to 1 Corinthians 12 and consider "God's Glorious Church: One Body, Many Members." Get ready: Read and meditate on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. What words or ideas are repeated? How is the relationship between "the body" and its "members" described? What does Paul mean when he says "so also is Christ" (verse 12)? Why is both unity and diversity essential in the church? How does this passage shape your understanding of your responsibility to other church members? Why might it be helpful for a church to clearly express these commitments to one another? [Note: We will return our study of Daniel 7-12 after this short series on the church.]

Do you remember an illustration often used in gospel presentations of a picture of a heart-shape with a throne shown in the center? It was used to illustrate how, by default, all people are born with a self-centered focus; a sin nature. The chair in the illustration represents the "throne" in each person's heart from which the ruler of that heart reigns. Each sees themself on that throne directing their ways according to their own desires. "All of us like sheep have gone astray," Isaiah 53:6 says, "each of us has turned to his own way…" And Romans 3:23 states "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." A Christian recognizes Jesus as the rightful ruler of the heart and seated on that throne. Romans 10:9 says "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;" However, though as believers we acknowledge Jesus as Lord of our life, many struggle with yielding to His ultimate authority over all areas of their life. Professing with their mouths, "Jesus is Lord," but still not totally yielding to Christ in their thinking, speech, and actions, their heart remains divided. Perhaps for this reason, many wonder why they do not seem to be growing in spiritual maturity. Thankfully, God addresses this issue in His Word through Paul's writing to the Colossians. Join us this Sunday as we learn together what it means to "Let Christ Govern Your Heart" as we study Colossians 3:15-17 together. Prepare for Sunday: Read Colossians 3:15-17 and Ephesians 3:14-21. What does the "peace of Christ" mean to you? What promise does it hold for your present and future? How does the Word of Christ "dwell"

Christian, how can you know your sins are forgiven? How can you be certain you're fully and gladly accepted by God, though your life is still imperfect and marked by sin? What anchors your hope to a future of perfect humanity, enjoying a perfect creation, forever in God's presence? "Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away," John 20:1. Mary and the other disciples struggled to make sense of what they saw: Jesus' empty tomb affirmed that He had done exactly what He promised—He has defeated sin and death for all who belong to Him. "... Go to My brothers and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God," John 20:17. What a wonder this is! Christ's Father is yours, believer. Through Christ, and Christ alone, you are brought into a restored relationship with God, inseparably united to Him—now and forever. How is this possible? Only because "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:21. On Friday, we'll remember the cross: Christ, our Substitute, the One who was made "to be sin on our behalf." Then, this coming Lord's Day, we'll finish our three-part look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 and its powerful gospel summary. I hope you'll join us Friday at 6:30 pm and again on Resurrection Sunday as we rejoice in "The Risen King: Christ Our Righteousness." Prepare for Sunday: Read and meditate on John 20:1-17, as well as 2 Corinthians 5:21. How is the empty tomb described? Why does John include these details? What helped Mary recognize Jesus? What, spec

Christian, how can you know your sins are forgiven? How can you be certain you're fully and gladly accepted by God, though your life is still imperfect and marked by sin? What anchors your hope to a future of perfect humanity, enjoying a perfect creation, forever in God's presence? "Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away," John 20:1. Mary and the other disciples struggled to make sense of what they saw: Jesus' empty tomb affirmed that He had done exactly what He promised—He has defeated sin and death for all who belong to Him. "... Go to My brothers and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God," John 20:17. What a wonder this is! Christ's Father is yours, believer. Through Christ, and Christ alone, you are brought into a restored relationship with God, inseparably united to Him—now and forever. How is this possible? Only because "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:21. On Friday, we'll remember the cross: Christ, our Substitute, the One who was made "to be sin on our behalf." Then, this coming Lord's Day, we'll finish our three-part look at 2 Corinthians 5:21 and its powerful gospel summary. I hope you'll join us Friday at 6:30 pm and again on Resurrection Sunday as we rejoice in "The Risen King: Christ Our Righteousness." Prepare for Sunday: Read and meditate on John 20:1-17, as well as 2 Corinthians 5:21. How is the empty tomb described? Why does John include these details? What helped Mary recognize Jesus? What, spe

A right relationship with God has a way of turning things upside down. Consider the evidence: Daniel remained at ease the night he spent in a den of hungry lions, while the king whose law put Daniel there lay tossing on his bed in torment of soul. What a difference a clean conscience makes! "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him," exclaimed Daniel the next morning. "... and also toward you, O king, I have done no harm." Last week, we saw the character God formed in Daniel before the crisis. This week, we'll see what that relationship with God produces during the crisis. To believe we're kept by God's sovereign hand gives us boldness as His exiles. And to know He favors His covenant people, that our sins have been blotted out, gives us confidence even when we face our own death. Observable boldness and quiet confidence are the fruit of a right relationship with God—and a display case for His power to deliver. Even the wicked, like Babylon's King Darius, see God's power at work among His people. "... men are to fear and be in dread before the God of Daniel," Daniel 6:26 (LSB). "... for He is the living God and enduring forever, and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion will be unto the end." This Lord's Day, we'll finish our look at Daniel 6, concluding the first half of the book of Daniel. I hope you'll join us as we consider, "God's People in Exile: Conscience Before Confidence." Prepare for Sunday: Read and meditate on Daniel 6, focusing on verses 18-28. What contrasts do you see between Daniel and Darius? Why was Daniel delivered

Daniel and the lion's den is one of the Bible's best-known stories. We rightly marvel at Daniel's devotion and God's deliverance; the former challenges us, while the latter assures God's people in exile still today. Yet it's what happened long before the lion's den that Scripture highlights for us in Daniel 6. "Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because an extraordinary spirit was in him, and the king planned to set him over the entire kingdom," Daniel 6:3 (LSB). What set Daniel apart from all other leaders was not merely administrative talent, but an inner quality that consistently rose above the often-stormy environment encircling him. Years of private devotion had formed in Daniel an inner life that bore the fruit of excellence. This Lord's Day, we'll consider how God graciously built in Daniel the kind of character that kept him from flinching when loyalty to the Lord was not merely costly, but deadly. Join us as we turn to Daniel 6 and consider "God's People in Exile: Character Before Crisis." Prepare for Sunday: Read Daniel 6, meditating on verses 1-18. How was Daniel distinguished among the other royal court officials? What does the term "extraordinary" or "excellent" reveal about Daniel's character? Use Scripture elsewhere to support your answer. Why would Daniel's integrity provoke hostility rather than admiration? How is Daniel a foreshadowing of Christ?

God calls the proud to humble themselves. What happens, though, when the proud refuse to be humbled? "... The God in whose hand are your life-breath and all your ways, you have not honored... you have been weighed on the scales and found lacking," Daniel 5:23,27 (LSB). Babylon's acting king, Belshazzar, ignored history, shut his eyes to God's revelation, and disregarded prophetic warnings. He partied and pretended importance while enemy armies camped around his capitol city. The handwriting on the wall of his extravagant banquet hall turned Belshazzar's proud revelry to reality: "That same night the Chaldean king was killed," Daniel 5:30. Belshazzar's end still warns us today: God's sovereign justice is at times swift and final. For God's people living in exile, the proud king's fall is an encouragement that no arrogant empire or ruler stands forever. God will bring down all the proud; some He humbles and restores. Others He humbles and judges with finality. God's people find their hope in the One whose life was weighed and found perfect, lacking in nothing. The perfect righteousness of Christ is our only safe harbor from the wrath that awaits all who are judged by their own merit. I hope you'll join us this Sunday as we turn to Daniel 5 and consider, "God's People in Exile: Weighed and Found Lacking." Prepare for Sunday: Read all of Daniel 5 and meditate on verses 22-30. Based on the text, how would you describe Belshazzar's feast? What is his tone in speaking to Daniel? Why does Daniel emphasize "even though you knew all this" in verse 22? What does the writing on the wall reveal about God's justice? On what scale are we tempted to "weigh" our

This winter's cold and flu bug seems catchier than most. Has it caught you yet? Many of you would answer "yes" – despite your best efforts to stay away from sick people. No matter what you do to avoid it, at some point you find you've got it. Pride, man's besetting sickness, is also this way. No matter what steps we take, we find we have it. We don't catch it; we're born with it. At our worst, we mistake God's patience and forbearance toward us for His indifference, or tacit approval of our sin. And He'll take extraordinary means to remind us that we are made to worship Him, not ourselves. "... a voice came from heaven saying, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is said: the kingdom has been removed from you," Daniel 4:31 (LSB). While Babylon seemed untouchable, God was already at work vindicating His sovereign rule for the sake of His exiled people. This Lord's Day, we'll finish our look at Daniel 4 and its startling account of a powerful king's journey from pride to praise. God's compassion for Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar expressed itself in a severe mercy: a prolonged season of insanity and isolation from all that he once boasted in—until the king was finally humbled. "... For all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride," Daniel 4:37. Join us this Sunday as we turn to the Scriptures to see pride exposed, judged, and — by mercy — overruled. I hope to see you here as we consider, "God's People in Exile: The King's Speech."