South Union Sermons

Bottom line: When our confidence is in an unshakable God, our confidence will be unshakable.

When we look around the world and see things that seem to be at times spinning out of control, we must remember that God is always in control. God has told us in His Word that prophecy will be fulfilled. Parts of Daniel 7 have already happened and that gives us assurance that the rest of Daniel's vision will come to pass also. There will be a revival of the Roman empire (fourth beast), rise of antichrist (little horn), and return of Jesus to establish His kingdom.

Regardless of how the world shakes, God doesn't. This is why we have faith in God. He is never shaken, or wringing His hands, or worried, or pacing the floors. God is sovereignly in control.

Bottom line: Fulfilled prophecy gives us assurance that prophecies yet fulfilled will be fulfilled.

Daniel 7 records Daniel's vision of strange beasts and a coming King. Daniel sees four world empires (Babylon, Medo Persia, Greece, and Rome) rise onto the scene in succession. And he ultimately sees the coming Kingdom of Jesus and His coronation as King.

Daniel 7 is perhaps the most important chapter in the book. It is what we call a primary reference. That means it contains original prophecy that will be quoted and referenced by others such as Jesus, Paul, and John the Revelator. In this one chapter, God's incredible, unchangeable redemptive plan for human history is laid out.

Bottom line: We will be faithful to God before and after the fire when we have faith that God is in control (even in the fire).

The story of Daniel and the lions' den teaches us some important lessons about how God is in control not only on the "world stage" but in our individual lives. When our faith is under fire...

1) We can be faithful

2) We witness to those who are watching

3) We can trust God is able to deliver

4) We can trust that God will deliver in His time and way

Bottom line: The handwriting is on the wall. The prideful will be abased, and the humble will be exalted.

Belshazzar's story teaches us some very important lessons:

1) God's Word is sure

2) God judges "Belshazzar Syndrome" in nations and individuals

3) God weighs hearts

Bottom line: It is infinitely more important that we humble ourselves and live redeemed, than exalt ourselves and "live the dream."

Nebuchadnezzar had to be taught a second time the truth that God is in control. He thought he was "living the dream" as he ruled over Babylon. He mused about how majestic he was for very building the kingdom. In the very moment he thought he was "living the dream" God made him depart the palace and live like a domesticated farm animal for 7 years until he learned that it is actually God who is in control and had given the kingdom to Nebuchadnezzar. Once he "lifted his eyes to heaven" and repented, God restored him to his throne. Nebuchadnezzar not only learned the lesson, he believed the truth that God is sovereignly in control. God rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He will.

Bottom line: Premeditated obedience causes us to stand when our faith is under fire.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were given a command by Nebuchadnezzar (law of the land) that directly conflicted with God's law. What did they do? The refused to bow down in worship or bend in submission. They stood when their faith was under fire because they had a premeditated obedience to God. However, as a result of their stand, they faced the consequences of defying the law of the land. And they were willing to do so.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered three questions that we all need to answer now so that we are prepared to stand in the moments to come when our faith is under fire.

1) Who are we going to worship?

2) What will be our authority?

3) Are we willing to pay the price of obedience to God?

 Bottom line: God is so in control that He can reveal His story before it becomes history. 

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that Daniel interpreted for him. Daniel point out that God is totally in control.

1) God writes the story of history.

2) God reveals the story to be written.

3) God rules in the end of the story.

 Bottom line: God is so in control that He can reveal His story before it becomes history. 

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that Daniel interpreted for him. Daniel point out that God is totally in control.

1) God writes the story of history.

2) God reveals the story to be written.

3) God rules in the end of the story.

Bottom line: A resolute faith that refuses to compromise will pass through the fire.

Our faith, like that of Daniel, will come under fire. The world system is constantly pushing and seeking to assimilate our faith by challenging our beliefs, changing our values, and giving us new identities. But if we are resolved to trust God and refuse to defile our hearts, then our faith will pass through the fire.

Daniel chapter 1 teaches us the value of a godly heritage, godly training, and godly courage.

Bottom line: When we pray based on what we know about God's person we can know God's presence and power.

What we know about God determines what we pray to God and what we pray for from God. The early church knew God to be all powerful. The prayed and asked God for His power to be upon them so that the could speak the Word of God with boldness. They prayed in unison and unity. They prayed together, and God filled them with His Spirit and power.