Church notes - January 2017

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1 January 2017
The Book of Daniel - Chapter 1: Living in a Hostile World
'Good Good Father'
'Same Power'
'At the Cross, we bow our knees'

Daniel 1

Isaiah 5:20 - 23

Psalm 82

Is Anybody in control of this world?
'Where is God at the moment?'
Despite circumstances, God is in control
Setting the scene - Judah has been conquered by the Babylonians. Daniel and his friends had everything taken from them.

vs 8
Daniel doesn't want the positive reinforcement that would make him give in.

Daniel and his friends needed a reminder that God was still in control.
God moved them to positions of influence in Babylon
He was orchestrating events
Despite appearances - God was in control.
Daniel stood by his resolution.
Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.
Romans 12:2
Be transformed.

Integrity
Discipline
- e.g. young people (football players, Hollywood stars) giving into temptation.
Courage
- Daniel was prepared to make a stand and be different.
- Only God knows what truth is, not us.
Humility
- He disagreed with the Babylonian official, but he had respect for him. This respect was mutual, allowing for a relationship of trust.
- This is something we need to remember. It is not about winning arguements. It's about winning hearts.

Isaiah 40:10


8 January
The Book of Daniel
Chapters 2 & 3
Saved in the Fire
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream - a warning
Ch 3
How do we continue to worship God alone?
Resist the temptation to compromise
YOLO
- You Only Live Once
FOMO
- Fear of Missing Out

Success for kids
- We need to give them the knowledge that time spent worshiping God is the best Success they can have

Jesus: "You can't serve both God and Money"

vs 6 - 15

Nebuchadnezzar was furious with the three men.

vs 16 - 18
They show a deep understanding of God's Sovereign Power.

We can be tempted to think that God can prevent us from entering the fire. But He can save us in it and from it.
God doesn't save us from a distance. He is involved personally.

vs 28 - 30
vs 29 "For no other god can save in this way"


15 January
Communion
Philippians 2:6 - 11
Is Your Pride Getting in the Way?

Sermon
Daniel Chapter 4
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
"The Biggest Difference between you and God is; God doesn't think He's you."

God is breaking into our spiritual lethargy.

Daniel confronted Nebuchadnezzar with his shortcomings
It is difficult to repent of our sins.
Nebuchadnezzar hadn't learned - vs 28
- He had become a slave of his arrogance.
God wants to reason with us.

vs 34
He humbled himself and acknowledged God.


22nd January 2017
Standing Strong

Coloissians 1:13 - 29, Romans 11:33 - 36

1 Peter 4:7 - 19

Daniel 6
Australian: in August - Andrew Denton "tells church to getout of euthanasia debate"
'That religious people shouldn't be involved in a debate.
People like Denton forget that everyone has a belief system. Athiesm and Agnosticism are just as much belief systems as those followed by those who are religious.
The Christian viewpoint is being squeezed out of our society.
A parallel with Daniel
Daniel is living in a culture where his religion is not welcomed.
It's not the first time in the book where Jews are discriminated against.
Daniel is:
- Trustworthy
- Diligent
- Honest
(There is no 'technicality' they can catch him on, unlike Barry O'Farrell, former Premier of NSW).
vs 10
Daniel prayed regardless. It didn't impact his prayer life at all. He didn't compromise
1. Praying privately
2. Praying honestly
3. Praying regularly
4. Giving thanks, praising
5. Praying, searching God's mercy
Daniel's prayer life was characterised by discipline and regularity.
We need a humble heart as we pray.
Daniel gives us an example of a healthy prayer life.
vs 14
The King knew Daniel was being set up, but he had no choice.
The jelous rulers were held accountable.
Daniel had integrity
Daniel's strategy for overcoming.
1. He was trustworthy, diligent and honest. He was not corrupt.
2. Daniel remembered that he had been faithful in past tests.
This is our strategy to survive in a hostile culture.


29th January
Daniel 12
Investing in the Future
What does the future hold?

vs 1 There is distress, but God's people will survive. In times of persecution we learn to rely upon Him more and more. We will be delivered.

vs 3, 4 Who are the wise? It is not those who are going to and fro seeking knowledge. True wisdom is knowing God. (Proverbs 9:10)

vs 6, 8

vs 7, 11, 12
Much time has been spent trying to work those 'times' out.

vs 4, 9 Rolled up and sealed. Some words from God are sealed away until the End. Jesus says that the hour is unknown.

vs 9, 13 Go your way. It doesn't mean to live one's life as one sees fit. It means to live a life of dedication to God.

Do not compromise
Do not be timid

Keep showing that you are following God, rather than being of the world.

vs 3
We need to boldly reveal who we are in Christ. Our faith cannot be private.