Preaching at Trinity

Daniel has much struggle in his heart as he experiences yet another change of authority in Daniel 9. He lifts his heart to the Lord in prayer for help and finds answers that are difficult to accept but also full of comfort. Let this lesson challenge you to turn to the Lord for help and answers and find comfort in the promises of God.

This passage challenges us to follow the practice of Christ as we live in a world full of distractions. Our ministry is not just to be near and experience the blessing of Jesus. We have been given a clear command that parallels Jesus’ ministry perfectly.

Daniel 8 lays out the history of world events before they happen. In this prophecy, Daniel explains the attacks of Satan against Israel and the same tactics that are used against the truth of His word today. We will be challenged with our own holiness and the dangers of compromise in our generation.

Luke begins to record a series of five healings that occurred on the Sabbath. This first healing sets the stage as it issues Christ’s authority over the religious laws and over the powers of this world. It stands for us as a clear demonstration of His power in our life as we face the temptations of our flesh.

Daniel 7 gives hope to a group of people who found themselves in a time of trouble. Likely feeling abandoned and in doubt of God’s promises, God reveals His full plan of issuing His authority in establishing His Kingdom. The King is Coming and we must be ready.

Jesus experienced rejection from the very beginning of His ministry. However, His display of grace and resolve were obvious, even to those who were rejecting Him. We will be challenged as we read this account concerning our own faithfulness and demonstration of grace in our words and deeds.

Daniel 6 again highlights the faithfulness of Daniel. As an old man, he remains unwavering in his commitment and holiness for the Lord. This passage challenges us to remain faithful no matter the circumstances of life.

This passage gives an incredible template for resisting temptations and fighting off the attacks of sin upon our lives. The Word of God is powerful and sharper than any two edges sword. Jesus uses it with incredible power and we need to learn the same.

The glorious end of the Babylonian Empire comes crashing down in one night, and it comes directly from the Hand of God. Even in this last moment of peril, Daniel stands firm in his faith, while the society parades itself into destruction. This passage challenges us to examine the pursuits of our hearts and the reality of our life’s purpose.

True greatness is found in humility; recognizing God's sovereignty leads us to deeper faith and restoration. Daniel 4 recounts the story of Nebuchadnezzar, who experienced a dramatic fall from power due to his pride. In a great display of grace, he was restored and expressed his devotion and humility before God. This account challenges us to confront the danger of pride in our own life.

There is a man who speaks for God at the beginning of the Gospel of Luke. He is the one whose message is the very Word of God. He comes just before the King announces His arrival. John is this man, and his message is singular and clear. Tonight, we will study the needed message of John the Baptist.

Often, in this world, people take what God declares as good and twist it to fit their own agenda or pleasure. Chapter 3 of Daniel gives us an account of this making. In it, we are challenged about our own personal stand for holiness. How willing are we to take the abuse of this world to stand with Christ? We will explore the faith of three young men and their persistence of holiness for the sake of God’s name.

In this passage, we read about a superior Child who is wise, humble, and deeply respectful. Everything we would expect in the Messiah. To top it all off, Jesus knows who He is and makes the first recorded claim of Divinity from His own lips.

In Daniel 2, we see that God is clearly the Lord of All Creation. He is sovereign over the world’s greatest kingdoms, but He also cares about the small details of life. In His providence He had placed Daniel in his particular position to establish truth in a pagan culture. This passage should encourage and challenge us to place our trust in the One who controls all things.

The book of Daniel is one of challenge and high intensity. The dedication of Daniel stands out in a culture of compromise and self-indulgence. We begin this study as we recognize the favor of God in the life of Daniel despite the difficult circumstances. The book will begin by challenging us to make the same high level of commitment.

The Lord challenges us in Scripture not to settle for a mediocre faith but to press on in our obedience and dependence on the Lord. This study will challenge us to excel in our faith as we trust the Lord to grow faith in us.

The final section of James concludes with a call for genuine faith that persists in difficulty.  The mature believer will love others despite time and circumstance.  Mature believers will seek the things that Christ seeks and love those who are wandering and hurting.