Author Archives: lamar

The Dreaded “D” Word in Ministry

The Dreaded “D” Word in MinistryCan I lead a ministry being divorced?

I understand you may not fully agree with me and that’s okay. But let me be very honest, share my heart, and a few personal experiences.

I am a believer in Jesus Christ and have been since the age of ten. I am a God called preacher and have been since my late teenage years. I have been involved in ministry leadership much of my adult life including pastoring for many of those years.

For the past seven months I have preached most all of the Sunday morning services at our home church near Hammond, LA. It has been an amazing opportunity for which I am thankful and humbled. My intentions for the past several years was for Heather and I to start a new ministry in another community near our home. We actually had a few planning meetings in that home exploring our many options. My father’s terminal illness and two floods put all of it on hold. We continued to attend and serve in our home church when circumstances developed that allowed me to do some supply preaching and later step into a more active preaching role. To be honest that ministry and its people have captured my heart. I cannot preach to such a loving group for that amount of time and not be moved deeply for them. I have prayed for them, served them, cried over them, hurt in my heart for them, and availed myself to the God of Heaven trying my best to be led of the Spirit as I have preached and taught the Word of God. I know in my heart and spirit, because of the timing and other circumstances, that God is involved, He is doing a work, and I am loving it.

My life isn’t perfect. I am a sinner and I have failed the Lord more times than I would care to admit. I do try to live my life daily for the Lord and with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am so glad my salvation isn’t based on what I do but on what Christ did at Calvary. I do not say this as an excuse. According to the Bible it is the truth for all of us. 

My wife and I have both been through a divorce. That experience has forever affected us. It also affects daily our love for one another, our view of life, our convictions, our determination, our goals, our handling of others, our view of ministry, and so much more. We know first hand what it is like to have the dreaded “D” word plastered across our foreheads because we experienced many hurtful things from hypocritical folks who really had no direct knowledge or involvement with us, our families, and the circumstances in which we found ourselves. To be honest it really wasn’t any of their business. In our greatest time of hurt and need we remember well those who judged and spoke unkind things about us and those who loved and prayed for us in spite of the circumstances. We have some amazing God sent experiences and memories from some precious saints of God who were there for us, loved on us, and encouraged us when we needed it most. Some of these individuals were involved in national ministries and yet they took time to be a blessing. Much was learned by those experiences. They have helped us have a better understanding and compassion for others, especially in ministry. God has been so good and has greatly blessed our lives, our marriage, our family, our businesses, and our continued involvement in ministry.

Some believe divorce disqualifies a person completely from serving in a church leadership role. The passages used for this belief are those dealing with the character qualities of a pastor found in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The phrase “husband of one wife” is the foundation for this belief. I have never embraced this idea because this phrase is not a reference to divorce but to a man’s present character and faithfulness in reference to his wife. The literal translation refers to a pastor as being a one woman man or being faithfully devoted to his wife. I am fully aware that divorce and marriage can play a major factor in a person’s ministry. But to take this one wife meaning would also mean a man could not pastor without being married first (some believe this to be the case) and he would have to stop pastoring if his wife died or left and he remarried a second time (it’s silly but he would no longer be the husband of one wife – some also have this belief). To be disqualified for life for a failure in marriage no matter the reason simple goes against the principles of forgiveness, mercy, and grace found in God’s Word. However, as a character issue, a man would be most certainly disqualified if he is a womanizer.

Years ago I studied these passages in depth because of knowing several men personally who had experienced divorce and who were successful pastors. Recently I renewed my study because of my own situation and the desire to do things properly and according to God’s Word. I have also sought advice from several men involved in ministry and while some believe having a divorce will be an issue it is a man’s call and character that matters most. My view of these key verses has not changed.

It is not my intent to debate or offend with my view. I am simply expressing my heart, my view of scripture, and where I am coming from in my own life and current situation. The Lord continues to burden my heart for ministry. He also continues to give me opportunities to preach, lead, and be involved in ministry. I simply desire to be obedient to His call on my life.

Dr. John MacArthur is a highly respected Pastor and Bible teacher. He leads Grace Community Church, Master’s University, Master’s Theological Seminary, and the international ministry called Grace To You. He has authored and edited over 150 books. The following information is from the MacArthur Bible Commentary.

Husband of one wife. Lit. in Greek a “one-woman man.” This says nothing about marriage or divorce. The issue is not the elder’s marital status, but his moral and sexual purity. This qualification heads the list, because it is in this area that leaders are most prone to fail. Various interpretations of this qualification have been offered. Some see it as a prohibition against polygamy. An unnecessary injunction since polygamy was not common in Roman society and clearly forbidden by Scripture (Gen 2:24), the teaching of Jesus (Mat 19:5-6; Mar 10:6-9), and Paul (Eph 5:31). A polygamist could not even have been a church member, let alone a church leader. Others see this requirement as barring those who remarried after the death of their wives.
But, as already noted, the issue is sexual purity, not marital status. Further, the Bible encourages remarriage after widowhood (1Ti 5:14; 1Co 7:39). Some believe that Paul here excludes divorced men from church leadership. That again ignores the fact that this qualification does not deal with marital status. Nor does the Bible prohibit all remarriage after divorce (see notes on Mat 5:31-32; Mat 19:9; 1Co 7:15). Finally, some think that this requirement excludes single men from church leadership. But if that were Paul’s intent, he would have disqualified himself (1Co 7:8). A “one-woman man” is one totally devoted to his wife, maintaining singular devotion, affection, and sexual purity in both thought and deed. To violate this is to forfeit blamelessness and no longer be “above reproach” (Tit 1:6-7). Cf. Pro 6:32-33.

What’s In A Name? – Daniel 1:6-7

What’s In A Name?
 
Daniel 1:6-7  “Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.” 
 
What is in a name?
What comes to mind when we say a person’s name?
Bad names: Jezebel, Adolf Hitler
Good names: King David, President Ronald Reagan 
Our names: Elaine Adams, Hilda Repass, Michael Adams, Heleigh Grace
 
Point: 
Our names are what we use to IDENTIFY ourselves.
Our names are a reflection of who we are and how people see us.
Our name, as a believer, is also a reflection of our personal relationship with the Lord.
Our name, in just a few words, IS OUR IDENTITY.
 
Daniel’s Circumstances:
Daniel was over 900 miles from home. (Remember this is not by today’s standards.)
Daniel was away from everything that was an anchor for his faith.
  • His parents and home life.
  • His instruction and learning.
  • His influences.
Daniel was in a position of great influence (upon him), opportunity, and temptation.
Thought: I wonder how many would take advantage of things under the circumstances?
 
Daniel’s Challenge:
Daniel and the others were chosen by the King’s servants for some obvious reasons: they stood out, they were smart, they were special 
Daniel 1:3-4  And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes;  4  Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
 
Daniel and the others were chosen to be educated and influenced in the ways of the Chaldeans.
        
They would face pressure from their own flesh, their own peers, and those in authority.
 
Daniel and the others were going to be challenged in both their character and their very IDENTITIES.
 
They would face their very NAMES being changed.  
YOUR NAME = YOUR IDENTITY = WHO YOU ARE
 
As a CHILD of the KING – YOU need to REMEMBER and REMIND YOURSELF of this FACT:
 
The DEVIL will use every influence in the WORLD to:
CHANGE WHO YOU ARE
CHANGE WHAT YOU BELIEVE
                
He will make you question: who you are, what God has done, where you are going, what’s most important, and the very Word of God.
                
He will tear you down, he will discourage you, he will sift you, and he will squeeze you.
 
Luke 22:31-32  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Simon, Simon: Jesus wanted his attention.
Simon, Simon: This is IMPORTANT.
Simon, Simon: Jesus was showing He cares!
 
Satan hath desired to have you
Satan wants to SIFT you LIKE WHEAT
 
I have prayed for thee, that thy FAITH fail not.
FAITH = IDENTITY
 

1 Peter 5:8-9  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

Whom resist stedfast IN THE FAITH
FAITH = IDENTITY
 
John 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Read Daniel 1:6-7:
Daniel 1:6-7  “Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.” 
 
Daniel: God is Judge
Belteshazzar: prince of Bel
 
HannaniahBeloved by the LORD
Shadrach: Illumined by Sun-god
 
Mishael: Who is like our God
Meshach: Who is like Venus
 
Azariah: The LORD is my Help
Abed-Nego: Servant of Nego
 
False Names:
A false god
A false belief system
A false way of life
Waste your life on things and for things that do not matter in the long term.
 
Daniel’s Identity / Character:
Daniel’s identity was no doubt a result of his relationship with the Lord.
 
Because of Daniel’s choices there is no doubt that God’s hand was upon him.
 
Instead of being influenced Daniel was able to INFLUENCE:
    Those around him – his peers, those in authority, the kingdom, and the King.
 
Do not let the world change who your identity.
 
God is Judge:

Isaiah 33:22  For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

 

Romans 2:16  In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
 

1 Peter 1:17  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

 

Reminder:
I am Judged by God
I am Loved by God
I am Helped by God
There is no one like MY GOD
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
[17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light

The Difference a Year Makes – Daniel 1

The Difference a Year Makes
Daniel 1
Introduction:
1) Another year has come and gone. 
  • What a year 2016 has been!
  • In spite of everything can we say God is good?
2) Today is the first day of 2017!
  • How many still be writing 2016 for a few months???
3) A time to reflect, review, and renew.
 
The Book of Daniel:
  • Twelve chapters
  • Four Parts
    • Ch1: Introduction to Daniel
    • Ch 2-4: Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar
    • Ch 5-6: Kingdoms of Belshezzar and Darius
    • Ch 7-12: Visions of Daniel
  • Writings of Daniel span 2,600 years before us and we’ll beyond us.
  • Comtempary with the ministries of: Ezekiel, Ezra, and Jeremiah
 
Daniel 1:1-21 KJV
 
[1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. [2] And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
 
The Control of God
  • God’s is in Control
  • It is important for believers to remember this truth.
  • God kept Jerusalem protected – 2 Kings 19:32-36
    • Hezekiah was King.
    • One angel destroyed the Assyrian army – 185,000
  • God allowed Jerusalem to be overthrown
 
  • The Book of Daniel is certainly about the man Daniel and how God used him.
  • We do not know what God knows.
  • We do not see what God sees.
  • We are blessed by seeing the complete picture with Daniel not just the beginning.
 
[3] And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; [4] Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. [5] And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. 
 
[6] Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: [7] Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abed-nego.
 
The Choices of Daniel
 
Key verse: v. 8
[8] But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 
 
The Character of God: He is faithful
 
[9] Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. [10] And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. [11] Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. [13] Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. [14] So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. [15] And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. [16] Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. 
 
[17] As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. [18] Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. [20] And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. [21] And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.

The Heart of the Matter – Daniel 2

The Heart of the Matter

Daniel 2:1-49

When one examines the Life of Daniel and the Book of Daniel and sees the very Hand of God working in Daniel’s life there is a key verse that helps us understand why:

Daniel 1:8 –  But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 

As we examine Daniel 2 – we get to see Daniel’s heart in action.

Daniel’s Predicament – Daniel 2:1-16

Daniel’s Prayer – Daniel 2:17-19

Daniel’s Praise – Daniel 2:20-23

Daniel’s Presentation – Daniel 2:24-47

Daniel’s Promotion – Daniel 2:48-49

Daniel’s Predicament – Daniel 2:1-16

Daniel 2:1-16  And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.  2  Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king.  3  And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.  4  Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.  5  The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.  6  But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.  7  They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it.  8  The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me.  9  But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof.  10  The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.  11  And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.  12  For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.  13  And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain.  14  Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king’s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon:  15  He answered and said to Arioch the king’s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.  16  Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.

 

Daniel’s Prayer – Daniel 2:17-19

17  Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions:  18  That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.  19a  Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

Daniel’s Praise – Daniel 2:20-23

20  Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:  21  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  22  He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.  23  I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

Daniel’s Presentation – Daniel 2:24

24  Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation.  25  Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.

26  The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

27  Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;  28  But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;  29  As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.  30  But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

***DO NOT READ – JUST REFERENCE***. VS. 31-45

A Great and Fearful statute:

Head made of Gold

Chest and arms of Silver

Stomach and thighs of Brass

Legs of Iron

Feet of Iron and Clay

It represents the Kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar and the many Kingdoms that were yet to come.

The Kings Response…

46  Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.  47  The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel’s Promotion – Daniel 2:48-49

48  Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.  49  Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

Lesson: The HEART of the Matter …

 

1) A HEART that RECOGNIZES the Lord as the PROVIDER of all things. Vs. 17-18.

The KING did not have the answers.

The WISE MEN did not have the answers.

The FALSE gODS did not have the answers.

These GOOD MEN did not have the answers.

But DANIEL and these GOOD MEN knew who DID.

2) A HEART that REACHES up to the God of Heaven in PRAYER. Vs. 18.

Daniel 2:18 “That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret…”

Hebrews 4:16  “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Luke 11:1 “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Luke 11:9-10 “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. [10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

3) A HEART that REACTS to the God of Heaven in PRAISE. Vs. 19-23. 

Daniel 2:19b “Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”

Daniel 2:20-23  Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:  21  And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:  22  He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.  23  I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

4) A HEART that RESPONDS to the God of Heaven with HUMILITY.

1 Peter 5:5-6  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Daniel 2:26  The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof?

Daniel could have very easily taken advantage of this situation by taking credit for this knowledge for a number of reasons.  Look at what he did…

Daniel 2:27-28  Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;  28  But there is a God in heaven

that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

30  But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.

We see clearly Daniel’s HEART.

5) A HEART that RESETS/INFLUENCES the WORLD for the Glory of God and the Cause of Christ. Vs. 47

Daniel 2:47  The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Daniel was placed in a position to influence the King and others.

1) A HEART that RECOGNIZES the Lord as the PROVIDER of all things. Vs. 17-18.

2) A HEART that REACHES up to the God of Heaven in PRAYER. Vs. 18.

3) A HEART that REACTS to the God of Heaven in PRAISE. Vs. 19-23.

4) A HEART that RESPONDS to the God of Heaven with HUMILITY.

5) A HEART that RESETS/INFLUENCES the WORLD for the Glory of God and the Cause of Christ. Vs. 47

Victory in the Fire – Daniel 3:15

Victory in the Fire

Daniel 3:15  “Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well : but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Introduction:

  1. All of us have an IDENTITY.
    1. One of the first things asked when stopped by a police officer is your ID
    2. We have PASSPORTS to IDENTIFY us.

2) Our IDENTITY involves much more than our names and physical characteristics.  Our IDENTITY also involves our CHARACTER.

4) Our relationship with the LORD affects that CHARACTER.

5) The Book of Daniel shows us the SPIRITUAL IDENTITY of Daniel and these other Godly men.

6) As believers we are to LEARN from these men:

a) They can HELP us.

b) They can STRENGTHEN us.

c) They can ENCOURAGE us.

d) They can TEACH US valuable lessons.

Last Week:

We looked at Daniel 3.

My message was entitled; “Walking Through The Fire.”

We looked at the story surrounding King Nebuchadnezzar, his 90/ft tall golden stature, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and a fiery furnace.

My Text this Week:

Daniel 3:15  “Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well : but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

Again:

…and who is that God that shall deliver you?

This Week:

  • The FIRE represents any number of things the Child of God may face.
  • The FIRE could be an employment or financial crisis, a difficult / life changing circumstance, a failure in a relationship, an accident or injury, some life changing disease, or a loved ones death.
  • The FIRE could represent a very challenge to our faith.

I am a child of God – How can this be happening to me? / Why am I going through this?

There is VICTORY to be had in that FIRE.

And GOD will be the REASON for that VICTORY.

1) The FIRE is REAL.

Daniel 3:15 “…but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace…”

What these men faced was the REAL DEAL.

The FIRE can have effects on us:

PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY, and SPIRITUALLY.

 

What we face is the real deal and can shake us to our very core.

RELATIONSHIPS – Trust is broken

SPIRITUAL – affects our FAITH

2) The FIRE requires FAITH.

Daniel 3:17-18 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. [18] But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

The FIRE requires a lot out of us: physically, mentally, emotionally

VICTORY in the FIRE requires a “NO MATTER WHAT” kind of FAITH.

See verse [18]: “…But if not…”

3) In the FIRE there were BLESSINGS.

Daniel 3:27 “And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.”

  • Some BLESSINGS that can only be had by going through the FIRE.
  • The POWER of the FIRE is DIMINISHED. “…the fire had no power…”
  • The discussion was no longer what the fire could do but what it could not do.
  • The smallest things can become the biggest things (the smell??).

4) In the FIRE the FOCUS CHANGED.

Daniel 3:24-25 “Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. [25] He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

  • The GOD of the BLESSINGS became the FOCUS, and not the FIRE.
  • The STORY was changed when God showed up.

1 Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Daniel 3:15 “…and who is that God that shall deliver you…”