SCRIPTURE: Daniel 6:17-28 OBSERVATION: Not even the king’s love for Daniel could get him to change his decree. Daniel is said to be saved by God because he was innocent. Those who accused Daniel, as well as their wives and children, are thrown to the lions, and they are not so lucky. The king recognizes that…
Author: Norm
Sep 3 — Daniel 6:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Daniel 6:1-16 OBSERVATION: Daniel is a man of integrity who makes it big in Babylon, but it makes him enemies. Daniel was diligent to keep himself God-focused by praying daily – with humility and gratitude to the God that had sent him into exile. Daniel’s faith and integrity does not spare him from persecution and…
Sep 2 — Daniel 5:17-30
SCRIPTURE: Daniel 5:17-31 OBSERVATION: Daniel reminds the king that the God of Israel is not just a local god, a statue made of silver or gold, but He is the God of everything and everyone. Nebuchadnezzar was a “sovereign” king, but only because God put him there; God also brought him down. Daniel says that Belshazzar…
Sep 1 — Daniel 5:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Daniel 5:1-16 OBSERVATION: This banquet was probably an orgiastic affair. Belshazzar attempts to mock the God of Israel by using the temple goblets. God uses this occasion to bring glory to Himself, to humble the king and to use his servant Daniel. The bodyless hand must have been frightening! Though they do not understand Daniel…
Aug 31 — 3 John 1:1-14
SCRIPTURE: 3 John 1:1-14 OBSERVATION: A personal letter because the church leader (Diotrephes) wouldn’t allow the letter to get to the members (v.9). Walking in the truth (not just believing it) equals demonstrating love (doing good, showing hospitality, offering help). By doing this we work together for the truth (ie Jesus). John speaks quite boldly when he…
Sermon Discussion: John 13:1-17
OK, here’s your chance. Please help me write my sermon! Feel free to respond to one of the following: (1) What speaks to you in this passage — John 13:1-17? (2) Should we practice foot-washing as a symbolic act, maybe even as a sacrament (Jesus didn’t say “do this in remembrance of me” but He does…
A friendly church?
I have a question. What makes a church a friendly church? Is a friendly church the same as a loving church? Are people friendly (or loving) to you when you attend a church service? Are you friendly (or loving) to others when you attend a church service? Do you talk to the people you know,…
Aug 30 — 2 John 1:1-13
SCRIPTURE: 2 John 1:1-13 OBSERVATION: John is writing to a specific church (symbolically the “chosen lady and her children”), and gives greetings from a sister church (v.13). He summarizes the message as believing in Jesus as God’s Son in the flesh, and obeying the love of Jesus by loving and serving others. He warns against those who…
Aug 29 — Psalm 10:1-18
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 10:1-18 OBSERVATION: David faces head on the troubling question as to why God seems distant, silent, while the wicked seem to prosper and succeed. His faith is being tested through fire, but he affirms God’s goodness despite what He sees. He declares his confidence in God, then appeals to Him for action. This is…
Aug 28 — Psalm 9:1-20
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 9:1-20 OBSERVATION: In the context of volatile political and personal crises, David affirms that the Lord is God (in control, sovereign) and is good (just, helps the oppressed). Can we even understand the world in which David lived, more like the instability of the Sudan, eastern Europe in the 90s, Afganistan, Palestine, Iraq, most of…