Jesus is usually thought of as a Lamb - gentle, humble, and our sacrifice. While these are all true, Jesus is also a Lion. This Lion of Judah is the One who triumphs over the grave and death - and who will reign forever. THIS fact has real implications for us as well!

When we think of lambs, we picture cute, cuddly creature bounding in a pasture. When Jesus was called a lamb, there was an entirely different meaning.

In this sermon we'll look at how Jesus was a lamb of sacrifice for us - why - and the results for us!

Daniel wants to know about the future - is the freedom the Persians are giving some Jews to return (Ezra) the beginning of God's restoration of Israel?

Daniel gets his answer: not yet. More must happen first - and the angel tells him what that will be. But in the end, God WILL come and bring a perfect life to all who know Him!

Daniel receives God's help understanding the future when an angel shows up. But the whole situation shows us that we're living in a war, not a physical war but a spiritual war!

We'll look at this reality we don't like to think about - and what it means for us.

Daniel was reading Jeremiah - and realized that God was waiting to hear Israel say, "We're sorry - we sinned!"

So Daniel began to pray that very prayer - and God answered his prayer in an amazing way!

We'll look at the value of admitting our sins to God - and the power of prayer!

Daniel reveals his own vision. And things are going to get worse - and worse. But not to fear. God is the only really in control and He will settle all accounts and the righteous will live with Him forever.

In the process, we'll look at apocalyptic writings like Daniel and Revelation - and how to understand them.

Daniel had served in captivity for 50+ years - many kings and even different countries. Yet he had remained faithful, righteous, above reproach. That's one reason God could use him and do amazing things.

Today we look at how God saved Daniel from the lions - and showed the world who is really in power!

God wants to do the same through us!

Beltshazzar didn't learn from his ancestors, he was a great king - he was in control. But he wasn't! Whether or not he admitted it, God was the one in control - and when He evaluated Beltshazzar's life, he didn't measure up.

There's a lesson here for all of us: we never grow beyond our need for God and for His approval.

Nebuchadnezzar faced his 3rd and final chance, and he "struck out!" He didn't listen to God's warning and his pride caused his ruin.

God speaks and warns us, the question is are we listening?!

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a tough choice: what would they risk to remain loyal to God? Even their very lives?

Their risk and commitment, along with how God saved them is a lesson we all need to learn!