Faith in the Fire
The Secret to Surviving the Fire
November 12, 2023 • Eric Sorenson • Daniel 6:1–12
This Sunday we explore one of the most famous narratives in the Bible as Daniel’s story goes from bad to worse, even in his old age. But the story of the lion’s den, when read carefully, is also a revelation of the secret to Daniel’s great success. The wonderful truth we discover behind closed doors in Daniel 6 is also an invitation we can apply to make it through the difficulties and challenges of life. Daniel’s secret can be ours too.
One Fire, Two Responses
November 5, 2023 • Daniel 5
In Daniel 5, we meet another Babylonian king. He’s not much different than Nebuchadnezzar, yet in certain way, he’s a lot different. When Daniel steps in to speak God’s word, the two kings respond in very different ways. Who speaks God’s word when you’re in the fire, and how do you respond to God’s word when you’re in the fire? This Sunday we gather at the communion table and ask God to graciously probe our hearts.
The Imperial Self
October 29, 2023 • Eric Sorenson • Daniel 4
Last week we learned that the first great threat to living the life of faith while we’re in the fire is idolatry. The second threat, which you might say is the first threat, is my imperial self. How can we submit to the God who is truly in control, in spite of present appearances, if it’s all about me? As Daniel 4 demonstrates, that’s insane thinking!
The Fire Heats Up
October 22, 2023 • Daniel 3
The sovereign God must be worshiped above all else, no matter the consequences. In the next two chapters of Daniel, we begin to learn that there are at least two obstacles that get in the way of our letting God be sovereign. The first is the temptation to bow to idols.
When the Whole Zoo Gets Loose
October 1, 2023 • Eric Sorenson • Daniel 2:24–49
We’ve been learning that “in spite of present appearances, God is in control” (Tremper Longman III). This week we focus in on the powerful truth of God’s providence; God is guiding all things to his own end. We can take comfort in the fact that this includes our own lives too, past, present, and future.
