Northwest Gospel Church - Camas/Washougal

Daniel 7 | Ben Potloff | "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man..." Chapter 7 begins the apocalyptic half of the book of Daniel. This passage rewinds to a dream had by Daniel during the reign of Belshazzar (Daniel 5) and the dream's interpretation. Here, we see critical truths about the dominion of the God who has proven himself faithful and in control throughout the Israelites' exile.

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Daniel 6 | Max Janusch | Along with the story of the fiery furnace, Daniel and the lions' den is one of the most commonly known stories from the book of Daniel. But this tale looks much different than the Sunday school version that so many people are familiar with. Daniel 6 follows Darius as he organizes his newly conquered territories, is duped by some of his most trusted advisors, and experiences an emotional rollercoaster as his top official is thrown into what will certainly be his final resting place . . . Or will it? Here, we see that God alone can redeem those who are faithful to him.

Daniel 5 | Ben Potloff | As our journey through the book of Daniel continues, we come to an interesting story with a new Babylonian king, the desecration of the temple vessels, a wild party, and–most importantly–the same faithful God. Here, we see that God keeps his promises and humbles the proud.

Daniel 4 | Ben Potloff | Already in the book of Daniel, we have seen incredible highs and devastating lows. Daniel 4 brings us another sleepless night from King Nebuchadnezzar, another scene of frustration as the Babylonian wise men fail to give an interpretation, and another example of how God is working in the midst of Israel's exile in Babylon. In this passage, Daniel informs Nebuchadnezzar that his constant self-exaltation and his efforts to steal God's glory for himself will cost him greatly. God's glory will not be shared, and those who attempt to steal his glory will be humbled.

Daniel 3 | Ben Potloff | In Daniel 3, we come to the first of a few popular–but often misinterpreted–stories in the book of Daniel. On the heels of Daniel's interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the king builds a statue and demands that everyone bow to it. However, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow and are condemned to burn alive in a furnace. But something miraculous happens; Daniel's companions don't burn! Instead, they are joined by a fourth individual, one whom the king of Babylon cannot account for. This story reveals the reality of God's people's responsibility and ability in exile to reject false gods and worship the only real God.

Daniel 2 | Ben Potloff | After being introduced to the major characters and the setting in Daniel 1, chapter 2 takes us to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, who is troubled by a dream that is left uninterpreted by some of his most trusted wise men. But Daniel, empowered by the Lord, interprets this dream and the king glorifies God. Here, we see that God intervenes in order to save people.

Daniel 1 | Ben Potloff | In the opening chapters of the book of Daniel, we are introduced to the book's namesake. Daniel's account opens as he is dragged into Babylonian captivity. But Daniel remains faithful, and he offers a model of how God's people live in exile. In an account that feels all too similar to Joseph in Genesis 41, God's providence leads Daniel to the highest courts of the Babylonian government.

Colossians 3:1-17 | Max Janusch | We've all heard the expression: "New year, new me." But what does Scripture tell us about our "new" selves? To answer this, we look to Colossians 3. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, lays out two important lists in this passage, things that Christians put off and things Christians put on. Here, we see that the Christian life requires the death of sin and life in Christ.

Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-11 | Ben Potloff | Only in light of the Old Testament's foreshadowing can the birth of Christ be recognized and appreciated for its gloriousness. As our Advent season comes to its high point, we are left with the scene of the Lord Jesus born to a virgin in a manger. The story of Christ's birth is the story of a God who would humble himself, take on the limitations of humanity, and dwell with sinful people for the sake of saving them. Glory to God in the highest!

Isaiah 9:1-7 | Ben Potloff | "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." In the Advent season, we consider the hope with which Israel looked forward to the coming of the Savior, and our hope in the Savior's second coming is renewed. The Savior to be born, the Savior who will again return, is nothing less than the God-man, Jesus Christ.