Sermons on Adversity (Page 6)
Faith Looking Forward
This chapter takes us deeper into the apocalyptic visions with a Ram and a Goat appearing in a vision to Daniel. Gabriel, the angelic messenger, appears to Daniel to help him understand it and becomes a helpful instructor of us as well through this passage. What is the significance of this vision that “concerns the distant future” (8:26)? Sermon OutlinE “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for…
Faith in God Amidst the Beasts
The first step in Daniel’s apocalyptic vision (Daniel 7) takes him into the midst of four beasts and an encounter with the Ancient of Days and one like a Son of Man. How does our faith shape the way we relate to the raging of the nations and God’s sovereignty? Sermon Outline “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. I approached one of those standing there and asked him the meaning…
Anticipatory Faith
This week takes a pause halfway through the book of Daniel, addressing the change of genres, language, and themes. The second half of Daniel exposes us to different aspects of the Bible and is an opportunity for a discipleship moment in this series. Sermon Outline Nature of Apocalyptic Literature Style of literature found in ancient Jewish and Christian literature Greek word apocalypsis means revelation Literature is not just found in the Bible Literature is filled with puzzling encounters Kinds of…
Faith that Doesn’t Flinch
Who hasn’t heard the story of Daniel in the lions’ den in Daniel 6:1-28? Moving beyond the children’s rendition of this story, we see Daniel facing death without flinching. What does it look like to hold onto God even when powerful forces are coming against us? Sermon Outline “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.” Daniel 6:26b Faith in God will not flinch if we cherish…
Faith When the Writing is on the Wall
In the well-known story of Belshazzar’s feast from Daniel 5:1-31, a mysterious hand appears with writing on the wall. No one can discern the message, until Daniel is brought forth with a response from God. Daniel lives out his faith even when he has been largely forgotten, and the one moment his message is heard is now one of judgment. Sermon Outline “Daniel answered the king, ‘You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless,…
Faith Speaking Truth to Power
In Daniel 4:1-37, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and Daniel interprets it truthfully. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride threatens to undo him, and Daniel speaks of that reality. When it comes to pass, even Nebuchadnezzar humbles himself before God. Sermon Outline “How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:3) A Terrifying Ruler Left Terrified (Daniel 4:1-7) A Confusing Dream with a Confounding Interpretation (Daniel 4:8-27) A Self-Centered King…
Faith in the Fire
In Daniel 3:1-30, Daniel’s three friends find their faith tested with the threat of idolatry and resulting punishment. What does it mean to have faith in a foreign land when the fire comes? Sermon Outline “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it…But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you…
Faith to Speak God’s Words
Nebuchadnezzar has a troubling dream that for which no interpreter can find meaning. Daniel seeks God in prayer and receives a revelation from God. When he gives a favorable response, all around recognize the power of God. (Daniel 2:1-49) Sermon Outline There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. (Daniel’s words to King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel 2:28a) King Nebuchadnezzar’s Bad Dream: The Crisis (Daniel 2:1-13) Daniel Speaks What God Reveals (Daniel 2:14-45) Daniel Leaves the Results to God (Daniel 2:46-49)…
Faith in Exile
The story of Daniel begins with the exile from Jerusalem. What does it mean for the exiles to live out their faith in this place? Daniel and his friends provide us with an example of how to live our faith as exiles. We are in the world but not of it. We seek the peace of the city in which we are planted but it is not truly our home. (Daniel 1:1-21) Sermon Outline “Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief…
Prayer of Renewal: Daniel
Daniel lives in exile in the land of Babylon. He serves in the upper echelons of society while also maintaining his faith through regular prayer. In Daniel 9:3-19, in the midst of his regular prayer, he offers one of the most powerful expressions of corporate repentance and renewal in the entire Bible. Sermon OutlinE Daniel lives in exile in the land of Babylon. He serves in the upper echelons of society while also maintaining his faith through regular prayer. In…
Prayer of Dependence: Habakkuk
The prophet Habakkuk concludes his bleak book with a powerful and rich declaration of faith in the face of pending suffering in Habakkuk 3:1-21. Regardless of our circumstances, how might we learn to be people of faith through prayer like Habakkuk? Sermon OutlinE “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:18) Seeking God’s Renewal in Fearful Times (Habakkuk 3:1-2) Promise of Punishment for the People of God (chs. 1-2) What has…
Prayer of Repentance: David
David’s adultery with Bathsheba leads to a rebuke from the prophet Nathan. David, this ‘man after God’s own heart,’suddenly finds his life crashing down because of his sin. We can learn from David’s prayer of repentance how we also might turn to God in prayer when we sin. Key Passages: 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Psalm 51 Sermon OutlinE “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my…