New Work Fellowship Podcast

Not of This World: Daniel - "Sin Is Real; Grace Is Greater" (Daniel 9)

We have seen that Daniel was in God's Word, but things were still chaotic around him. Daniel was a contemporary of Jeremiah, and he likely knew Jeremiah personally.  Daniel acknowledges that Jeremiah is a prophet and views his writings as scripture.  And, the words of Jeremiah had made their way to Babylon. Sin is not just a repressed, old-fashioned, out-of date, archaic idea that just robs people of fun, self-fulfillment, and freedom. According to the Bible, it is through sin that I finally begin to see and find the solution to my greatest need - repentance.

Not of This World: Daniel - "God Rules: Even in the Chaos" (Daniel 8)

In Daniel 8, you have this bizarre vision of an angry ram and a violent goat. Like in the previous chapter, the reader would be wise to be alert to Revelation connections. But this time, in Revelation, the comparison is of an opposite nature; a very different lamb - The Lamb (Revelation 8:1-5, 5:6-8a). How did Jesus teach us to deal with evil in this world? (Matthew 24:4-22) Well, for one thing, in the middle of teaching he points us to Daniel (v15).

Not of This World: Daniel - "Learn From the Past to Trust God With Your Future" (Daniel 7:1-7, 13-14)

The point of Daniel 7 seems to be that kingdoms rise and fall, but there is a kingdom coming that will last forever and NEVER fall.  That is the Kingdom of Jesus! No kingdom, no nation, no man or woman will survive forever apart from Jesus Christ. No matter how powerful, terrifying, or dominating, we will all bow before the one and only authority.

Not of This World: Daniel - "There Is a Target on Your Back" (Daniel 6)

What is our job when we dwell in a hostile environment? Not only is our political world hostile right now, but also our workplace or home could be a hostile environment. How does the Christian respond in such a difficult spot? The answer that we remember is that faithfulness is not a moment in life but a long journey. What is our job? Faithfulness; Integrity; the Fruit of the Spirit.

Not of This World: Daniel - "The Way Up Is Down" (Daniel 5)

In our text today, we have a new king but the same story. No king is forever - even if that king is YOU. Like this king, we are often consumed with our own self-consumption. And the problem with that is we quickly lose our regard for holy things. Pride ruined King Nebuchadnezzar. Now it is about to take out King Belshazzar. King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled until he learned; then he was lifted up. Daniel was humble, but do not mistake humility for weakness. Humility is not weakness, but it is strength. The Lord rewards those who humbly lean on Him. The goal is to be people of faith who live in humility.

Not of This World: Daniel - "Straight Arrow; Crooked World" (Daniel 4)

At the heart of the cultural crisis is our pride. Pride is the root of sin—the chief sin. We want to be our own God. You hear it in our cultural slogans: "You do you," "Find your own truth." Our world desperately needs people who will shoot straight in a world of distortion. What does it take for a believer to be straight as an arrow in a crooked world?

Not of This World: Daniel - "Calming Presence in the Chaos" (Daniel 2)

Step into a journey through time and truth as we explore “The Chaos of a Broken Culture.” In a world where the lines of masculinity are blurred and the pressures of power weigh heavily, we find a tale as old as Babylon itself. Nebuchadnezzar, a king driven to the brink of madness, demands the impossible: to know his dream and its interpretation. Amidst the turmoil, we discover Daniel—a man who embodies true strength and wisdom. As we delve into this ancient narrative, we uncover timeless insights into the essence of manhood, the pitfalls of toxic masculinity, and the divine blueprint for a life of purpose. What is a man?

Not of This World: Daniel - "Feeling the Heat" (Daniel 3)

Chapter 3 of Daniel follows well the reality of Chapter 1. When you awaken to the reality that this world is not your home, the immediate result of that is that you will feel the heat. This is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who stand firm under persecution. They refuse to worship a statue. (The crazy thing about our culture is we worship everything and anything. It really is like Paul wrote in Romans 1.) The Jews were singled out; targeted specifically because of their faith. The same is true today. Christians are often portrayed as mindless and ignorant, as well as cruel and judgmental people. Look at how Christians are portrayed in modern entertainment. We also see it in our everyday life. If you don't "go along" in order to "get along," you are ostracized. So how do you face the heat?

Not of This World: Daniel - "This World Is Not Your Home" (Daniel 1)

In Chapter 1 of Daniel, we are introduced to these uprooted and transplanted "aliens" who find themselves living in a strange world. But even though these Hebrew men are taken out of the Promised Land, it is clear that the Promises of God are still deeply rooted within them.  This chapter illustrates how to negotiate a faithful life in a pagan culture. Daniel sets an example of staying loyal to God in a culture that is less and less influenced by God (or a society that is no longer Christian).

More Than Meets the Eye - "Fighting Back" (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

The longer we are in the fight, the better fighter we should become.  Are you keeping an inventory of lessons learned in the fight? Are you repeating the same fights over and over again? The Bible talks about the idea of spiritual strongholds. When we allow a place in our lives where the enemy can "set up camp," he wreaks havoc in our lives. Therefore, we must demolish the strongholds within us to be better equipped in spiritual warfare. Any stronghold has the ability to make it easy for the enemy to attack - prey on our weakness, so to speak. The Lord desires for us to demolish these strongholds by taking thoughts captive as Paul explains in 2 Corinthians.  There is a fight for the mind - your mind! Are you fighting back?