In Daniel chapter 8, the prophet recounts a vision he had in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, finding himself beside the Ulai Canal in Susa. Brace yourself. In the vision, Daniel witnesses a powerful ram with two horns, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, which is eventually overcome by a swift goat with a notable horn, representing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. (Horns signify strength, if you remember from last Sunday.) The goat's horn is removed at its zenith, replaced by four horns signifying the division of Alexander's empire among his generals. From one of these h ..read more

Prepare yourself for some intense imagery from the book of Daniel! Starting in chapter 7, the nature of this profound work shifts dramatically. The text transitions from Aramaic to Hebrew, marking the onset of several visions granted to Daniel. These visions unveil God’s cataclysmic plans for the nations. Yet, the most harrowing times are still ahead for the faithful. Daniel contemplates these revelations and reacts:   “As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.” Daniel 7:15   Daniel's alarm stems from a vision of an apocalyptic future ..read more

Many are acquainted with the phrase "He couldn’t see the handwriting on the wall," often unaware of its origins in Daniel chapter 5. Here, during King Belshazzar’s extravagant feast, his arrogance invites God's judgment, marked by a mysterious inscription on the palace wall.   As the soiree persists, the Persians encircle Babylon. Did Belshazzar grasp the imminent danger? It seems likely, given the formidable size of the amassed army. So why indulge in revelry while the enemy lurks at the gates? Perhaps he deemed Babylon impregnable—a notion well reasoned considering its colossal walls. T ..read more

Happy Father's Day Dads!   This Sunday, we celebrate the profound privilege and responsibility of being a father. For many, their fathers served as admirable examples, while others may have had different experiences. In today's world, there's often confusion about what it truly means to be a good dad. However, God’s wisdom awaits us in the Bible. This Sunday, we will explore how the apostle Paul considered himself a spiritual father to the believers in the Corinthian church. Paul played a crucial role in their journey to Christ, as he was the one who brought the gospel to them. Unfortunat ..read more

If you've been immersed in church culture, the narrative from Daniel chapter three is likely etched in your memory. It recounts the unwavering faith of three young men in the face of adversity. It's a story that challenges us to reflect on our own daily choices. What—or whom—are we truly worshiping? This question holds profound significance because what we worship shapes our lives. Worship, at its core, is about assigning ultimate worth to someone or something. In essence, we are all worshipers, directing our deepest devotion towards various objects or ideals. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's ..read more

This week, Daniel, and his three friends are once again faced with a difficult situation. King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled in his spirit because of a recurring nightmare and threatens to kill all the wise men of Babylon if they cannot help him. However, King Nebuchadnezzar asked them not only to interpret the dream but also to reveal the content of the dream to him first. No king had ever asked them to do this, as it was seemingly impossible.    “The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” Daniel 2:1 ..read more

Last week, we witnessed Daniel and his three friends being uprooted from everything they knew. Their world was turned upside down as they were taken into the custody of the mighty Babylonian empire. It was common for the Babylonians to educate the best and brightest in their ways. Almost overnight, these teenagers were on the path to immense influence. Upon arriving in Babylon, they encountered the pinnacle of worldly luxury. The city was magnificent and opulent, filled with pagan temples. The king’s palace, which was beyond their wildest imaginations would be their home. Despite the unique te ..read more

It is widely acknowledged that mothers hold a uniquely cherished place in our lives. Do you realize that Mother's Day ranks as the third most celebrated holiday in America, following closely behind Christmas and Easter? Additionally, it is the third most attended Sunday in churches nationwide. Mother’s Day sees more phone calls exchanged than any other day of the year. Every child knows that no mother is flawless, yet there exists within each of us a sacred space that only a mother can occupy. This bond transcends age and time. I recall the memorable moment when Shaquille O'Neal returned to c ..read more

Daniel, along with his three companions, exemplified unwavering faith amidst the complexities of public life. Captured by the Babylonians as mere teenagers in the sixth century BC, they found themselves thrust into positions of influence within a pluralistic, secular society that often clashed with their deeply held beliefs in the one true God.   Much like our own time, where faith can feel marginalized and confined, the Babylonian empire presented Daniel and his friends with significant challenges. Their devotion to God was viewed as disruptive in a culture that favored plurali ..read more

I often picture Paul as a seasoned soldier who is all blood and guts. He was constantly fighting the good fight, waging spiritual battles and slaying demons. However, in the final chapter of Romans you see the tender heart within him. This man accomplished great things for God but he did so through strong affectionate relationships with his brothers and sisters in Christ. With his concluding words he turns his attention to them. You can feel the overflowing emotions of love.   "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord i ..read more