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A Family of believers making disciples who influence the world by becoming daily followers of Christ.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Conversations- Overhearing Jesus Talk with People on Their Journeys
“A Mother’s Request for Family Honor”
(Matthew 20:17-28)
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and,
kneeling down, asked a favor of him.” (Mt.20:20, NIV)
Jesus takes his last walk from Jericho up to Jerusalem. It’s a long, arduous day-trip. He begins the journey by telling the disciples why he is going to Jerusalem and what will happen there (Mt.20:17-19). Jesus has interesting talks with people, who all want something from him. What can we learn from overhearing/observing how Jesus joins with people? We will see the simple and profound practice of being with people on their journeys is how we share Jesus with them.
Learning from Jesus’ Conversation
Listen with interest like you’re truly interruptible (20:20-21).
“Then”- What happens when you’re doing something important and
“then” something else happens...
Especially to your own family (cf.Mt.27:55-56; Mk.15:40; Jn.19:25)!
Respond with gentleness even to selfish ambition (20:22-23).
Even though your heart is full w/ another more important matter.
Even though your mind is pre-occupied w/ something more worthwhile.
Even though they may not really understand.
Huddle up with purpose to focus on the mission (20:24-28).
Address the obvious (conflict, emotion, moment)- acknowledge/redirect
Change the focus (this, not that)- keep it short!
Point to the Model (Jesus)- and why He’s better!
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Wednesday Mar 27, 2019
Courageous
“Courageous Faith to Face the Known and Unknown”
(Daniel 6:1-28)
Daniel 6 is famous for God’s deliverance of Daniel from the lion’s den. This chapter highlights the main themes of the previous five chapters and their stories: despite appearances, God is sovereign and can be trusted to intervene for those devoted and obedient to His reign in their lives. Once again, Daniel exhibits a courageous faith to face the known and unknown.
Daniel’s integrity/character shines bright! (6:1-3)
Darius promotes Daniel to a place a great authority.
Daniel’s courage (devotion and obedience to God) is observable.
(6:4-9) How to handle a “Trip Trap”? (-M.Miller)
Plan laid out by Daniel’s enemies.
King’s leadership structure provides the setting to challenge.
Daniel is faithful to God/His Law, not man’s. (cf.3:16-18; Acts 5:29)
Daniel makes a life choice in prayer (6:10-18)
He pursues God/His way- prays, “... asking God for help” (v.11).
Daniel being Daniel- consistently living like God can be trusted.
“... power of a quiet faithfulness.” (-T. Longman)
“... unflinching obedience.” (T. Longman)
Daniel risks all on God (& let’s the chips fall where they may).
God is faithful to Daniel (6:19-28)!
“My God sent His angel...” (vv.21-22).
God being God- Daniel had entrusted himself to God’s watch-care.
God has His way! He exists, intervenes, overrules, and rescues!
“Hail to the Victor!”- God, His Victor (our Savior) for His people!
Wednesday Mar 13, 2019
Friday Mar 08, 2019
Friday Mar 08, 2019
Courageous
“Courage to Confront Pride”
(Daniel 5:1-31)
Daniel 5 records the courage to speak truth to the proud and powerful. This chapter is famous for the handwriting on the wall scene. Though many years have passed, God speaks again through Daniel, who interprets the writing, revealing God’s imminent judgment on the king.
Overview:
The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in
action (on display)!
Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and
in our lives.
Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious
God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)
Courage to outlast... endurance reflects devoted obedience.
(5:1-12) Daniel @ 80+ has outlived his captors, but not his calling.
Party- temple items to toast the gods- disregard/disrespect for God!
God is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and just!
Handwriting scene- chaos, queen intervenes, sends for Daniel.
Courage to be available... willingness to serve whenever needed.
(5:13-16). The king reminds Daniel he’s still in exile (v.13)!
The king has heard of, but doesn’t know Daniel (vv.14,16).
The king sets up the challenge (v.15).
Courage to confront... with God’s truth when necessary as His emissary.
(5:18-28) Royal hx lesson: you knew it, but no humility (v.22)!
“... you set yourself up against the Lord of Heaven” (v.23).
“But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life...” (v.23).
[Powerpoint here the four word phrase first (v.25), then interp. (v.26)]
Courage to humbly serve... take no pride/joy in the downfall of others.
(5:17, 29-30) God brings swift justice to the king!
Only go confront, if God is sending you.
Humble yourself.
Serve God’s purposes solely.
Friday Mar 08, 2019
Friday Mar 08, 2019
Courage to Humbly Speak Truth
(Daniel 4:1-37)
In Daniel 4 we encounter Daniel’s courage to humbly speak truth even when that truth is difficult to hear. In this moment we are given an interesting view of Daniel’s courage as this passage of Scripture is written entirely from Nebuchadnezzar’s perspective. Daniel interprets the king’s alarming and troubling dream by telling him that the Most High has spoken against him and will act against him until Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men.
Overview:
The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in
action (on display)!
Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and
in our lives.
Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious
God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)
- All will know that the LORD is sovereign over the kingdoms of men!
- Courage to humbly speak truth comes from (vv. 4-18):
- The certainty that God has spoken
- The clarity of God’s mission
- The confidence of God sovereignty
- Courage to humbly speak truth is marked by (vv. 19-27):
- A compassion for others
- A conviction for God’s sovereignty
- A compelling call to repentance
- Courage to humbly speak truth results in (vv. 28-37, 1-4):
- The ruin of those who proudly resist God’s sovereignty
- The rejoicing of those who who humbly embrace God’s sovereignty
- The recognition of all that the God is sovereign
Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Tuesday Feb 19, 2019
Courageous
“Courageous Friends Who Live by Faith”
(Daniel 3:1-30)
Daniel 3 demonstrates courageous faith in action. It pictures a definitive faith decision. It is by no means a cute children’s story. This Scripture teaches us to live like God can be trusted. Despite the very real threat of death, Daniel’s three courageous friends exercise an amazing faith in God!
Overview:
The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in
action (on display)!
Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and
in our lives.
Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious
God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)
Courageous Friends Who Live by Faith
Courage to stand- when everyone else bows.
(3:1-12) Humble confidence despite challenge.
Courage to speak- when everyone else is dutifully silent.
(3:13-18) Response deepens the drastic action of faith.
Profession of faith clarifies faith’s practice.
A steadfast trust in God regardless of the results.
Courage to die (or live)- whether God graciously rescues (or not).
(3:19-23) A singular devotion/obedience to honor God.
Living by faith pleases God (Heb.11:6; 34!)
Who’s the 4th guy and why? When Jesus shows up He saves the day!
(3:24-30) An angel (maybe Gabriel or Michael?)/ “son of the gods”?
A Christophany - a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.
Jesus appearing in the OT- times where God is “seen” refer to
Jesus (e.g., Gen.18:1; 32:30; Josh.5:13-15; Is.6/Jn.12:41; et al).
If Jesus, why now? Revelation of God on display! (Col.1:15)
It’s just like Jesus to show up and save us! (Mt.1:21-22; Mk.10:45)
Tuesday Feb 12, 2019
Tuesday Feb 12, 2019
Courageous
“Courage to Be God’s Ambassador in a New World”
(Daniel 2:1-49)
Daniel 2 teaches us about God revealing His coming Kingdom. We can seek God and ask for help to serve Him well in the face of overwhelming crisis. He gives us courage to serve and speak as His ambassadors.
Overview:
The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in
action (on display)!
Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and
in our lives.
Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious
God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)
Courage to be God’s Ambassador
Keep your head... when others are losing theirs. (-Kipling; Paul, 2 Tim.4:5)
Problem- Neb’s crisis gives D. opportunity for ministry (-Baldwin, 85).
- is “calm and confident” in the face of Neb.’s verdict (-Longman, 78).
- knows what he needs to do to address this challenge.
Problems require a pathway, a process to follow towards resolution.
Humbly bow your heart... pray/seek God’s wisdom when things get hard.
Process- turn to God for help (wisdom/mercy) in desperate times.
“Only God’s wisdom can reveal the mysteries of life.” (-T. Longman, 73)
Lift your voice in praise! Honor God as He responds to your request.
Praise- take the time to ascribe praise and glory to God!
Recognize from where your help comes (Ps.46:1)
Speak up as God’s ambassador... Speak truth with courage and humility.
God intervenes, interacts, and is actively involved in His world.
God reveals to D. what He is going to do. D. bears witness to God!
God is bringing His Kingdom and Daniel announces it to Neb.
Tuesday Feb 05, 2019
Tuesday Feb 05, 2019
Courageous
“Courage to Make the Best of a Bad Situation”
(Daniel 1:1-21)
“The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel...” (Dan.1:7-9).
Daniel teaches us courage to trust God even in bad situations. Our God is faithful, sovereign, and gracious! He gives us strength and courage to face the challenges of life as we learn to trust Him no matter the circumstances.
Overview:
The Book of Daniel is... the revelation of the sovereignty of God in
action (on display)!
Sovereignty is... the gracious rule/reign of God over His Kingdom, and
in our lives.
Courage is... acting on my belief in a sovereign, trustworthy, gracious
God! (Courage = Devotion + Obedience)
God causes and permits events, which challenge our faith (1:1-7).
The events in the text were not caused by Daniel (not his fault).
The events were caused by God (as promised) and permitted by Him
for His plan and purposes yet to be revealed.
Courageous living is faith in action despite challenges (1:8-16)!
Daniel determines to trust God despite his bad situation.
Daniel sees an opportunity to retain his identity and devotion.
Daniel resolves to excel and make the best of his bad situation. Why?
Because God is sovereign you can risk being courageous (1:17-21).
Daniel does not know what is to come, but passes the devotion test!
Daniel entrusts his life into the sovereign hands of God.
Daniel does his best to be prepared for whatever comes his way next.
Will you risk being courageous for yet to be seen godly purposes?
Do you entrust your life into the gracious hands of a sovereign God?