The Hallows Church

As we continue our Bible study series entitled, "The Book of Daniel: God of the Exile," we look at the sobering downfall of a powerful king and kingdom even as they "eat, drink and be merry." In contrast, we'll see in Daniel 5 how God graciously continues to be at work in the lives of those who honor Him as their King and live for His Kingdom.

Explore the rich passage of Daniel 4 with one of Hallows elders–Frank Mayfield–to consider the themes of pride, humility, mental illness and glory as we consider how God served severe mercy to a proud King.

When King Nebuchadnezzar builds an image for his empire to worship, Daniel’s three friends are confronted with a terrible choice: do we risk our lives and remain faithful to the One True God or do we bow down to the image? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego choose faithfulness and through their obedience God reveals that He alone is powerful to save, and still, His deliverance does not always come in the way that we might think.

Daniel 3

The Defiance of the King

Vv 1

Exalting the Image

Exalting the Nation

The Defiance of God’s People

The Denouncers

Vv 8

Vv 15

The Answer of the Faithful

Vv 16-18

The Consequence

The Deliverance of the True King

God’s Intervention

Vv 25

Isa 43:1-2

Rom 8:28

Reversals

Vv 27

God is Praised

Col 1:15-17

Col 1:19-20

Last week we discussed what it looked like to be like Jesus in seeking our hurting and broken people. In John 5:16-42, we see how this story is really about us being the one sought and how our story of redemption can be used to draw others to Jesus.

#metoo #John4

As we continue in our new sermon series: "The Book of Daniel: God of the Exile," we find in Daniel 2 a story that reminds us how to find comfort and encouragement in hardship. In fact, see how God often uses life's struggles to show His glory.

Daniel 1 gives us a glimpse into the major themes of the book: God is in control and He will win the final victory. In light of these two truths, Daniel and his friends show us what it looks like not only to live faithfully in exile, but also what it looks like to flourish.

We all thirst for something but for what are we thirsty? With guest speaker, Stephen Searles, we see in today’s text that Jesus engaged in an interaction with a woman drawing water from a well. Jesus offers her water that will quench her thirst forever but what He is actually offering goes far beyond a physical need for water.

God’s heart is for His house to be filled with people from all backgrounds. The question is: how will we respond to His invitation to join Him? Will we gladly accept or will we decline the offer and make excuses? Study Luke 14:15-24 with our teacher today, Frank Mayfield, as we consider the good news of the Resurrection and the invitation extended.

The Resurrection (Matthew 28)

-Your Truth, My Truth, No Truth or The Truth?

-Could it Happen?

-Did it Happen?

--Matt 28:17 (CSB)

“Perhaps the transformation of the disciples of Jesus is the greatest evidence of all for the resurrection.” ― John R.W. Stott

“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded his empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men (people) would (are willing to) die for him.” ― Napoleon Bonaparte

-What if it Did?

John 3:16 (CSB)

1 Corinthians 15:3–6 (CSB)

Romans 10:9 (CSB)

Matt 28:20b (CSB)

This passage reminds us of God’s love displayed toward us through Christ, His humble Servant. Jesus the Messiah displayed His humility throughout His ministry and as He entered Jerusalem on His way to the cross. His love for us and His example of humility compels us to adopt the same attitude toward God and others. In this way, God is glorified in our lives and Christ is exalted through our worship and witness.