This account of the fiery furnace, for good or for bad, has been 1 told and retold sooften (singing vegetables come to mind) that we are almost certainly going to come to the tablewith assumptions about it that are misguided at best and simply wrong at worst. Let’s be honestfor a moment, who ever thought that making a story of 3 men being thrown into a fiery furnacewhere their captors are literally burned alive in the attempt to execute their prisoners, was agood children’s story?

“ These (biblical) writings share genre parallels with ancient Near Eastern court tales that

emphasize the wisdom of the courtier, often in settings of danger and confrontation where the

skill and cunning of the courtier bring success

How to Keep Your Faith (& Head) when Confronted by An UntenableDiet Request from a Narcissistic Meglo-maniac

We live at the crossroads of country that was formed by immigration - chances are 984 / 1000that you are NOT native American. However, what is interesting is how we have formed apersona as a people - even those who have immigrated here and lived in our country for anextended period - stand out in their place of birth when returning for a visit. Just this week Ilistened to an interview with an author who spoke of this phenomenon.1

Perhaps this gives us a unique perspective to see right from the beginning of Daniel what theircaptors are trying to do - they are attempting to assimilate these young, probably 14-15 year oldHebrews, into becoming productive members of Babylon.

Today we are going to get reacquainted with Judah's history during a season that is not typically as celebrated as the Patriarchs, Moses, or the reign of David - and for good reason. But this history is essential to understanding both the local and geopolitical influences that created the culture that Daniel and his friends experienced in their lifetime. So, pull up your chair, and get ready to take a crash course on the hundreds of years leading up to Daniel and his friends exile to Babylon.

What is Epiphany and why should we care?

The story of the Shepherds and the Angels is similar. They both are pointing to the arrival of Jesus. The only source of true Joy and Peace.

What "myths" have we adopted around the advent story? Which ones are helpful in brining color to the picture, and which ones are problematic? Who were the shepherds and what should see about the importance of their inclusion in the Christmas story? And why did their fear turn to joy? Join us as we study Luke 2:8-20!

The original meaning of the Advent was "coming" - but this idea of Jesus coming was not restricted to Christmas, but also carried with it anticipation of Christ's glorious return as King. How do we as Christians live with a proper sense of preparation as we enter a season often associated only with gifts and tradition? What does it mean to "prepare ye the way of the Lord"?

Effective prayer isn't magical - but their are ingredients that define the 'prayer of a righteous person'. Join us as we look at these principles through the life of the prophet Elijah.