Heritage Baptist Church of Grayling, MI

09/03/2026

Daniel 11:33-39, The Kings of the South and North, Part 2

Daniel 11:33–39 describes a period of intense persecution against God’s people under a wicked ruler. The wise among God’s people will instruct others, but they will suffer greatly—being killed, captured, robbed, and persecuted. Their suffering will serve to purify and refine them, preparing them for the appointed time.

The passage then describes a proud and blasphemous king who exalts himself above every god and speaks astonishing things against the true God. He will prosper for a time because God has allowed events to unfold according to His sovereign plan. This ruler will reject the God of his fathers and show no regard for ordinary human desires or traditional religion. Instead, he will honor a “god of fortresses”—a god characterized by military power and strength—and will reward those who acknowledge and support him.

Main point: Daniel 11:33–39 emphasizes the persecution and refining of God’s people, while portraying a proud ruler who rejects the true God, exalts himself, and places his confidence in military power. Yet his apparent success is limited by God’s appointed time.

09/03/2026

Romans 7:1-6 - Free from the Law

Paul explains that the law has authority over a person only as long as that person is alive. He uses marriage as an illustration: a wife is bound to her husband while he is alive, but if he dies, she is released from that marriage obligation.

Likewise, believers have died to the law through the body of Christ so that they may belong to Christ and live for Him. Through Christ's death, believers are no longer under the law as a means of condemnation or righteousness. Instead, they have been released from the old way of the written code and now serve God in the new way of the Spirit.

Main point: Romans 7:1–6 teaches that salvation in Christ frees believers from their former relationship to the law so that they can belong to Christ and produce fruit for God through the Holy Spirit.

Sunday Service - 083026

08/27/2026

Daniel 11:1-31 - The Kings of the South and the North

Daniel 11:1–31 gives a detailed prophecy concerning the conflicts between the kings of Persia and the Greek Empire, followed especially by the struggles between the kings of the North and the kings of the South. The prophecy describes political alliances, wars, betrayals, and shifting power.

The passage begins with several Persian kings, followed by the rise of a powerful Greek king, commonly understood to be Alexander the Great. After his death, his empire is divided among his successors rather than passing to his descendants. The prophecy then focuses primarily on the Seleucid kingdom in the north and the Ptolemaic kingdom in the south, which repeatedly fight over the region of Israel.

Israel lies between these competing kingdoms and becomes caught in their conflicts. Alliances are made through marriages, but these attempts at peace ultimately fail. The prophecy describes rulers who use deception, military power, and political maneuvering to gain advantage.

A particularly prominent figure is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the king of the North. He becomes increasingly hostile toward God's people. He invades Jerusalem, profanes the temple, stops the regular sacrifices, and establishes “the abomination that makes desolate” (Daniel 11:31, ESV). His actions represent a severe persecution of the Jewish people and an assault upon true worship of God.

Sunday School - 082326

08/27/2026

Romans 6:15-23 - Should We Sin Because We Are Under Grace?

Paul explains that believers are no longer to live as slaves to sin simply because they are under grace rather than the law. Grace does not give permission to continue sinning. Instead, every person is a servant of whatever they choose to obey: obedience to sin leads to death, while obedience to God leads to righteousness.

Paul reminds Christians that they have been set free from slavery to sin and have become servants of righteousness. This new freedom should result in holy living and increasing obedience to God. Before salvation, people were enslaved to sin and produced things that ultimately brought shame and death. Now, having been freed from sin and made servants of God, they produce the fruit of holiness.

The passage concludes with the powerful contrast: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, ESV).

Sunday Service - 082326

08/15/2026

Today’s the day! Come join us at noon to 2pm for a free hotdog picnic followed by a popular free family movie from 2-4pm! Just look for the fire truck, EMT, and police vehicles in the parking lot.

08/13/2026

This Sunday, Robert and Terri Sturgeon, missionaries to Bolivia will visit Heritage Baptist Church. Bob will be speaking during the regular morning service at 11:00am and they will be presenting their ministry at our afternoon service at 1:00pm. Bring a lunch for our lunch fellowship from noon to 1:00pm.

08/13/2026

FREE Family Fun Day at Heritage Baptist Church, 1841 Hartwick Pines Rd, this Saturday, August 15, noon to 4pm .

From noon to 2pm we will have a Hot Dog Picnic which will include free food and drinks, games, and a visit by first responders and their vehicles!

Then from 2-4pm, we will be showing a popular family movie (we are licensed to show it but cannot advertise the title but it has something to do with schooling mythical creatures!). Free popcorn and drinks.

Tell your family and friends. EVERYTHING IS FREE! Hope to see you there.

08/08/2026

Come and Worship with us!

08/06/2026

See you at 10:30am at the Crawford County Commission on Aging. All ages welcome.

08/04/2026

Come join us as we continue in our study of the Book of Psalms.