Mike Novotny - World Gone Mad: Faith Over Fear

June 3, 2025 | S25:E23

Time of Grace teaches tough topics in an approachable and relatable way, making the Bible clear and understandable for those who need encouragement in their walks of faith and for those who don’t yet know Jesus at all.

#Faith #TrustGod #Challenges #RelationshipwithGod #SeekGod #Fear #Culture #Choices #SpiritualGrowth #Peopleinyourlife #inActive #MikeNovotny

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Time Of Grace With Mike Novotny | Mike Novotny - World Gone Mad: Faith Over Fear | June 3, 2025

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>> have you ever been stuck
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In one of those really emotional
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In one of those really emotional situations where you couldn't
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Situations where you couldn't make everyone in the room
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Make everyone in the room happy at the same time?
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Happy at the same time? i remember back to
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Sophomore year at bible college,
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Sophomore year at bible college, we were standing in the hallway
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We were standing in the hallway right outside my dorm room.
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Right outside my dorm room. and it was me, and it was one
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And it was me, and it was one of my friends, and it was
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Of my friends, and it was one of his other friends.
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One of his other friends. and my friend felt stuck
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And my friend felt stuck because he knew,
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Because he knew, and he was right
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And he was right in his assumption,
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In his assumption, that he couldn't make me
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That he couldn't make me and the other guy happy
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And the other guy happy at the same time.
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At the same time. we're 20 years old and my friend
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We're 20 years old and my friend had the opportunity to go out
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Had the opportunity to go out drinking that night.
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Drinking that night. and for one of the few times
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And for one of the few times in college i was like
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In college i was like the good angel on one shoulder.
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The good angel on one shoulder. i was trying to convince him
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I was trying to convince him to not go out and drink.
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To not go out and drink. he wasn't of age,
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He wasn't of age, it was illegal, it was immoral.
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It was illegal, it was immoral. i was trying to convince him
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I was trying to convince him to stay, to hang out with me.
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To stay, to hang out with me. and he was listening intently,
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And he was listening intently, and then his other friend
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And then his other friend spoke up.
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Spoke up. and his friend
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And his friend didn't want to worry
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Didn't want to worry about chapters and verses,
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About chapters and verses, or laws, or real ids.
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Or laws, or real ids. he just wanted to have
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He just wanted to have a good time that night.
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A good time that night. so, my friend was just
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So, my friend was just looking back and forth stuck
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Looking back and forth stuck between two of his friends,
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Between two of his friends, knowing that if he made
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Knowing that if he made the other guy happy,
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The other guy happy, i'd be pretty disappointed,
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I'd be pretty disappointed, and if he made me happy,
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And if he made me happy, his other friend would be angry.
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His other friend would be angry. he was stuck knowing he couldn't
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He was stuck knowing he couldn't make everyone happy at
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Make everyone happy at the exact same time.
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The exact same time. you ever been in a situation
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You ever been in a situation like that where you're looking
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Like that where you're looking for some creative, like,
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For some creative, like, middle road that
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Middle road that appeases everyone,
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Appeases everyone, but there's just isn't one?
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But there's just isn't one? and someone's going
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And someone's going to be disappointed,
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To be disappointed, someone's going to be angry,
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Someone's going to be angry, and you're stuck because you
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And you're stuck because you don't know exactly what to do.
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Don't know exactly what to do. that's one of the reasons
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That's one of the reasons that i keep these big,
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That i keep these big, oversized legos in my office.
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Oversized legos in my office. some of you are laughing because
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Some of you are laughing because every fourth pastor mike sermon
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Every fourth pastor mike sermon uses these big legos.
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Uses these big legos. if you can't see in the back,
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If you can't see in the back, these legos have words on like,
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These legos have words on like, "family, school, work, health,
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"family, school, work, health, money, and friends."
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Money, and friends." and i call this
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And i call this "the tower of priorities".
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"the tower of priorities". because in your life
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Because in your life and in my life,
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And in my life, we can't make everyone
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We can't make everyone in all the places happy
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In all the places happy at the same time.
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At the same time. we have to pick and prioritize
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We have to pick and prioritize who we're trying to make
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Who we're trying to make the most happy,
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The most happy, what we're going to serve
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What we're going to serve with the best of our
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With the best of our energy and our time,
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Energy and our time, what parts of life
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What parts of life we want to thrive in,
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We want to thrive in, and which parts we're okay
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And which parts we're okay if they slip.
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If they slip. i mean, you're familiar
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I mean, you're familiar with this.
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With this. you might be a teenager
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You might be a teenager who wants to go out with
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Who wants to go out with your friends all the time,
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Your friends all the time, and then your parents are kind
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And then your parents are kind of bummed 'cause they miss you
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Of bummed 'cause they miss you at the dinner table.
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At the dinner table. maybe you're poring yourself
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Maybe you're poring yourself into your studies or your
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Into your studies or your college degree or grad school,
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College degree or grad school, and because of that you don't
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And because of that you don't make it to the gym as much as
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Make it to the gym as much as you used to, and you can't go
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You used to, and you can't go out with your friends
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Out with your friends like you did in the past.
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Like you did in the past. maybe you're trying to put your
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Maybe you're trying to put your work first and your family
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Work first and your family feels like, you know,
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Feels like, you know, you're the second thing
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You're the second thing on their list
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On their list instead of the first.
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Instead of the first. one of the tricky things
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One of the tricky things of life is that you can't
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Of life is that you can't make everyone in all the areas
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Make everyone in all the areas happy at the same time.
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Happy at the same time. and i want to share this
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And i want to share this with you today,
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With you today, not just to try
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Not just to try to make you think about
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To make you think about how you're organizing your life,
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How you're organizing your life, but because of this.
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But because of this. this big block that says, "god."
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This big block that says, "god." if you know much
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If you know much about the bible,
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About the bible, god wants to be here when
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God wants to be here when it comes to our priorities.
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It comes to our priorities. the very first commandment he
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The very first commandment he gave on that famous list of ten,
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Gave on that famous list of ten, it said, "you shall have no
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It said, "you shall have no other gods before me."
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Other gods before me." and when someone
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And when someone asked jesus, like,
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Asked jesus, like, "what's the most important thing
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"what's the most important thing to know as your followers
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To know as your followers as the people of god?"
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As the people of god?" he said, "the most important
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He said, "the most important commandment is to love god,
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Commandment is to love god, not a little bit,
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Not a little bit, but with your whole heart,
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But with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength."
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Soul, mind, and strength." jesus taught his apostles
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Jesus taught his apostles in that same chapter where
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In that same chapter where he gave the lord's prayer to,
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He gave the lord's prayer to, "seek first the kingdom of god."
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"seek first the kingdom of god." not to worry about
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Not to worry about lesser or other things,
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Lesser or other things, but to make god
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But to make god the first passion
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The first passion and priority of your heart.
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And priority of your heart. and so, if you're a
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And so, if you're a follower of jesus,
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Follower of jesus, as you think about all
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As you think about all that he's done for you,
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That he's done for you, this is kind of the goal.
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This is kind of the goal. i want to follow god,
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I want to follow god, i want to obey god,
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I want to obey god, i want to do the things
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I want to do the things that god says,
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That god says, i want to try to live
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I want to try to live a god pleasing life so that
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A god pleasing life so that god's happy with this day
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God's happy with this day that i've lived.
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That i've lived. now, one of the tricky parts
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Now, one of the tricky parts about that is not just,
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About that is not just, you know, getting over
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You know, getting over the objections in our own heart.
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The objections in our own heart. one of the trickier parts
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One of the trickier parts of that is that if you try
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Of that is that if you try to do this with your life,
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To do this with your life, if you seek to put god first
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If you seek to put god first in all that you do,
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In all that you do, i can almost guarantee
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I can almost guarantee a whole bunch of people
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A whole bunch of people will not be happy.
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Will not be happy. as my story proves,
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As my story proves, which happened at bible college,
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Which happened at bible college, sometimes even people
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Sometimes even people who believe in god,
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Who believe in god, or go to church,
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Or go to church, or say their prayers
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Or say their prayers at night will not be happy.
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At night will not be happy. it's an emotional and difficult
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It's an emotional and difficult fact of the christian life
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Fact of the christian life that if you try to live a life
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That if you try to live a life that pleases god,
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That pleases god, not everyone in your life
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Not everyone in your life is going to be pleased.
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Is going to be pleased. sometimes, let's face it, guys,
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Sometimes, let's face it, guys, sometimes even church going guys
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Sometimes even church going guys want to have two beers
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Want to have two beers too many after a long week.
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Too many after a long week. and they'd be on
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And they'd be on the hunting trip,
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The hunting trip, or the fishing trip,
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Or the fishing trip, or the friday night,
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Or the friday night, someone's going to buy shots
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Someone's going to buy shots or ask for a round,
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Or ask for a round, and you know that
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And you know that you've had enough.
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You've had enough. but if you kind of imply
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But if you kind of imply or even gently say that,
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Or even gently say that, "no, drunkenness is bad."
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"no, drunkenness is bad." now, that'll cost you.
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Now, that'll cost you. you'll be the church guy, okay?
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You'll be the church guy, okay? holier than now.
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Holier than now. maybe you want to give money
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Maybe you want to give money generously like jesus did.
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Generously like jesus did. and you've read the bible,
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And you've read the bible, and you know that when
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And you know that when god came to earth,
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God came to earth, he didn't just help
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He didn't just help people spiritually
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People spiritually and eternally,
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And eternally, he helped them
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He helped them physically and financially.
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Physically and financially. and so, you want to take just
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And so, you want to take just a generous chunk of the money
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A generous chunk of the money that god's put into your hands
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That god's put into your hands and help other people with it.
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And help other people with it. but if you're married
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But if you're married and you're sharing a budget,
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And you're sharing a budget, that might not go well for you.
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That might not go well for you. someone wants to pay off
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Someone wants to pay off the house faster
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The house faster or upgrade the kitchen.
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Or upgrade the kitchen. "you're going to give away how
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"you're going to give away how much percentage of our income?"
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Much percentage of our income?" just trying to be generous like
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Just trying to be generous like jesus but not everyone loves it.
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Jesus but not everyone loves it. or you start dating someone
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Or you start dating someone and they just have
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And they just have different kind of lines
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Different kind of lines and boundaries when it
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And boundaries when it comes to sex and intimacy.
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Comes to sex and intimacy. you know, for them,
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You know, for them, as long as it's consensual,
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As long as it's consensual, as long you're fairly committed,
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As long you're fairly committed, that's good enough.
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That's good enough. but, you know, maybe you
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But, you know, maybe you believe what jesus believed,
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Believe what jesus believed, that sex is a really great gift
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That sex is a really great gift created by a really great god,
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Created by a really great god, and it's reserved for
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And it's reserved for a really great place called
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A really great place called the covenant of marriage.
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The covenant of marriage. but if you tell your boyfriend,
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But if you tell your boyfriend, "no, you know, i don't think
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"no, you know, i don't think we should move in
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We should move in 'cause that's just --
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'cause that's just -- it's not going to go great
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It's not going to go great for us when it comes
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For us when it comes to god's rules and laws,"
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To god's rules and laws," that could cost you
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That could cost you a relationship.
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A relationship. maybe your friends
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Maybe your friends are jumping on, like,
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Are jumping on, like, angry, political train.
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Angry, political train. you know, the one
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You know, the one that moves fast,
00:06:18.634 --> 00:06:20.269
That moves fast, where it's black and white,
00:06:20.336 --> 00:06:21.070
Where it's black and white, good guys, bad guys,
00:06:21.137 --> 00:06:22.472
Good guys, bad guys, where the good ones are the ones
00:06:22.538 --> 00:06:23.473
Where the good ones are the ones that are ruining everything.
00:06:23.539 --> 00:06:24.340
That are ruining everything. and maybe you just gently
00:06:24.407 --> 00:06:26.476
And maybe you just gently confront that and say,
00:06:26.542 --> 00:06:27.310
Confront that and say, "hey, you're right
00:06:27.376 --> 00:06:28.478
"hey, you're right about a lot of this,
00:06:28.544 --> 00:06:29.212
About a lot of this, but god still wants us
00:06:29.278 --> 00:06:29.879
But god still wants us to show respect
00:06:29.946 --> 00:06:31.581
To show respect to the authorities."
00:06:31.647 --> 00:06:34.317
To the authorities." you'll be labeled soft
00:06:34.383 --> 00:06:35.818
You'll be labeled soft and out of touch.
00:06:35.885 --> 00:06:38.221
And out of touch. maybe you get
00:06:38.287 --> 00:06:38.721
Maybe you get the sports schedule
00:06:38.788 --> 00:06:39.355
The sports schedule from your kid's coach.
00:06:39.422 --> 00:06:41.924
From your kid's coach. have you parents had this
00:06:41.991 --> 00:06:42.625
Have you parents had this experience yet?
00:06:42.692 --> 00:06:43.259
Experience yet? you say, "what?
00:06:43.326 --> 00:06:44.760
You say, "what? like what?
00:06:44.827 --> 00:06:46.863
Like what? my kid's not going pro.
00:06:46.929 --> 00:06:47.663
My kid's not going pro. he just wants to play baseball,
00:06:47.730 --> 00:06:50.233
He just wants to play baseball, he just wants to play hockey."
00:06:50.299 --> 00:06:51.400
He just wants to play hockey." and yet, how many sundays
00:06:51.467 --> 00:06:52.802
And yet, how many sundays will i have to miss gathering
00:06:52.869 --> 00:06:54.237
Will i have to miss gathering with the people of god
00:06:54.303 --> 00:06:55.171
With the people of god or on the word of god?
00:06:55.238 --> 00:06:56.305
Or on the word of god? but if you say,
00:06:56.372 --> 00:06:56.873
But if you say, "hey, you know,
00:06:56.939 --> 00:06:58.140
"hey, you know, i want our family to be
00:06:58.207 --> 00:06:58.908
I want our family to be a part of this team,
00:06:58.975 --> 00:06:59.876
A part of this team, but god comes first."
00:06:59.942 --> 00:07:02.445
But god comes first." man, not every coach --
00:07:02.512 --> 00:07:03.145
Man, not every coach -- not every coach who says
00:07:03.212 --> 00:07:04.847
Not every coach who says he believes in jesus will
00:07:04.914 --> 00:07:06.616
He believes in jesus will respect you respecting jesus.
00:07:06.682 --> 00:07:10.119
Respect you respecting jesus. maybe your kid turns on you.
00:07:10.186 --> 00:07:11.354
Maybe your kid turns on you. "all the other kids came,
00:07:11.420 --> 00:07:12.522
"all the other kids came, we don't need to go to church.
00:07:12.588 --> 00:07:13.389
We don't need to go to church. i already believe,
00:07:13.456 --> 00:07:14.023
I already believe, we can just pray."
00:07:14.090 --> 00:07:17.026
We can just pray." there's so many times
00:07:17.093 --> 00:07:17.894
There's so many times in life when it
00:07:17.960 --> 00:07:18.528
In life when it comes to our schedule,
00:07:18.594 --> 00:07:19.462
Comes to our schedule, when it comes to sexuality,
00:07:19.529 --> 00:07:20.897
When it comes to sexuality, when it comes to finances,
00:07:20.963 --> 00:07:22.031
When it comes to finances, when it comes to work
00:07:22.098 --> 00:07:23.432
When it comes to work where putting god first,
00:07:23.499 --> 00:07:24.467
Where putting god first, prioritizing him like jesus
00:07:24.534 --> 00:07:25.935
Prioritizing him like jesus wants us to do will be
00:07:26.002 --> 00:07:27.803
Wants us to do will be a great temptation.
00:07:27.870 --> 00:07:30.039
A great temptation. and it will be so hard when it
00:07:30.106 --> 00:07:31.040
And it will be so hard when it happens to you because you
00:07:31.107 --> 00:07:32.174
Happens to you because you can't see the face of god,
00:07:32.241 --> 00:07:34.477
Can't see the face of god, you can't hear his applause,
00:07:34.544 --> 00:07:36.946
You can't hear his applause, but you can see
00:07:37.013 --> 00:07:37.713
But you can see and hear the people
00:07:37.780 --> 00:07:38.281
And hear the people that you're looking at.
00:07:38.347 --> 00:07:40.116
That you're looking at. and to disappoint someone
00:07:40.182 --> 00:07:41.217
And to disappoint someone to their face because
00:07:41.284 --> 00:07:42.618
To their face because you're trying to be faithful
00:07:42.685 --> 00:07:43.386
You're trying to be faithful to jesus is no small test
00:07:43.452 --> 00:07:45.855
To jesus is no small test for your faith.
00:07:45.922 --> 00:07:50.960
For your faith. that's why today,
00:07:51.027 --> 00:07:51.694
That's why today, i'm so excited to share
00:07:51.761 --> 00:07:53.062
I'm so excited to share a really famous and really
00:07:53.129 --> 00:07:54.997
A really famous and really amazing story from the bible.
00:07:55.064 --> 00:07:57.500
Amazing story from the bible. it's about three young men,
00:07:57.567 --> 00:07:59.001
It's about three young men, we think, probably late
00:07:59.068 --> 00:08:00.503
We think, probably late teenage years,
00:08:00.570 --> 00:08:02.138
Teenage years, who were faced with
00:08:02.204 --> 00:08:03.172
Who were faced with a similar moment where
00:08:03.239 --> 00:08:04.440
A similar moment where they couldn't make god happy,
00:08:04.507 --> 00:08:05.474
They couldn't make god happy, and they couldn't make
00:08:05.541 --> 00:08:06.242
And they couldn't make the people in front of them
00:08:06.309 --> 00:08:07.209
The people in front of them happy at the same time.
00:08:07.276 --> 00:08:07.843
Happy at the same time. they had to pick one of the two.
00:08:07.910 --> 00:08:10.646
They had to pick one of the two. the stakes were high,
00:08:10.713 --> 00:08:12.014
The stakes were high, everything was on the line,
00:08:12.081 --> 00:08:13.015
Everything was on the line, and yet we're going to meet
00:08:13.082 --> 00:08:13.950
And yet we're going to meet three young men who were
00:08:14.016 --> 00:08:15.251
Three young men who were so passionate about god.
00:08:15.318 --> 00:08:17.353
So passionate about god. they didn't just, like, kind of,
00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:18.521
They didn't just, like, kind of, sort of believe in him.
00:08:18.588 --> 00:08:20.222
Sort of believe in him. no, they were willing
00:08:20.289 --> 00:08:21.290
No, they were willing to serve him, in fact,
00:08:21.357 --> 00:08:23.459
To serve him, in fact, even suffer for him,
00:08:23.526 --> 00:08:25.561
Even suffer for him, in fact, even sacrifice
00:08:25.628 --> 00:08:26.729
In fact, even sacrifice everything for him.
00:08:26.796 --> 00:08:28.698
Everything for him. today, we're going
00:08:28.764 --> 00:08:29.465
Today, we're going to study their courageous
00:08:29.532 --> 00:08:31.100
To study their courageous moment of faith,
00:08:31.167 --> 00:08:31.968
Moment of faith, and we're going to ask
00:08:32.034 --> 00:08:32.568
And we're going to ask ourselves the question,
00:08:32.635 --> 00:08:33.269
Ourselves the question, "why did they do it?"
00:08:33.336 --> 00:08:36.272
"why did they do it?" like, what did they think
00:08:36.339 --> 00:08:37.873
Like, what did they think when they thought about
00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:38.474
When they thought about god that they said,
00:08:38.541 --> 00:08:39.342
God that they said, "no matter what the world says,
00:08:39.408 --> 00:08:40.943
"no matter what the world says, or does, or threatens,
00:08:41.010 --> 00:08:44.013
Or does, or threatens, there is zero chance that
00:08:44.080 --> 00:08:44.814
There is zero chance that we will not serve, love,
00:08:44.880 --> 00:08:46.649
We will not serve, love, and trust in god
00:08:46.716 --> 00:08:48.184
And trust in god with our whole heart."
00:08:48.250 --> 00:08:51.187
With our whole heart." let's try to answer
00:08:51.253 --> 00:08:51.687
Let's try to answer that question today.
00:08:51.754 --> 00:08:52.288
That question today. as we dive into
00:08:52.355 --> 00:08:53.089
As we dive into this famous story,
00:08:53.155 --> 00:08:53.756
This famous story, the three men
00:08:53.823 --> 00:08:54.590
The three men in the fiery furnace,
00:08:54.657 --> 00:08:55.491
In the fiery furnace, that's found in daniel 3.
00:08:55.558 --> 00:08:58.127
That's found in daniel 3. and here's how
00:08:58.194 --> 00:08:58.661
The chapter begins.
00:08:58.761 --> 00:09:01.430
The chapter begins. "king nebuchadnezzar made
00:09:01.497 --> 00:09:02.932
"king nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold,
00:09:02.999 --> 00:09:04.700
An image of gold, sixty cubits high
00:09:04.767 --> 00:09:06.335
Sixty cubits high and six cubits wide."
00:09:06.402 --> 00:09:09.238
And six cubits wide." a cubit was an ancient unit
00:09:09.305 --> 00:09:10.239
A cubit was an ancient unit of measurement from the elbow
00:09:10.306 --> 00:09:11.641
Of measurement from the elbow to the tip of the fingers,
00:09:11.707 --> 00:09:13.442
To the tip of the fingers, about 18 inches.
00:09:13.509 --> 00:09:14.410
About 18 inches. so, a 90 foot tall
00:09:14.477 --> 00:09:16.345
So, a 90 foot tall by 9 foot wide image,
00:09:16.412 --> 00:09:17.913
By 9 foot wide image, "and he set it up
00:09:17.980 --> 00:09:18.614
"and he set it up on the plain,"
00:09:18.681 --> 00:09:20.716
On the plain," a nice, flat place
00:09:20.783 --> 00:09:21.384
A nice, flat place where everyone could see it,
00:09:21.450 --> 00:09:22.251
Where everyone could see it, "the plain of dura in
00:09:22.318 --> 00:09:22.952
"the plain of dura in the province of babylon.
00:09:23.019 --> 00:09:24.787
The province of babylon. he then summoned the satraps,
00:09:24.854 --> 00:09:26.889
He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors,
00:09:26.956 --> 00:09:27.690
Prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges,
00:09:27.757 --> 00:09:28.991
Advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other
00:09:29.058 --> 00:09:30.159
Magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come
00:09:30.226 --> 00:09:31.727
Provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image
00:09:31.794 --> 00:09:32.728
To the dedication of the image he had set up."
00:09:32.795 --> 00:09:34.497
He had set up." so, anyone who's anyone
00:09:34.563 --> 00:09:35.264
So, anyone who's anyone in babylon is coming.
00:09:35.331 --> 00:09:37.533
In babylon is coming. verse 3, "so..."
00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:38.601
[laughing]
00:09:39.135 --> 00:09:39.769
Because you want to make
00:09:40.136 --> 00:09:40.670
Because you want to make nebuchadnezzar happy.
00:09:40.736 --> 00:09:41.404
Nebuchadnezzar happy. "so, the satraps, prefects,
00:09:41.470 --> 00:09:43.272
"so, the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers,
00:09:43.339 --> 00:09:44.607
Governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all
00:09:44.674 --> 00:09:45.808
Judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials
00:09:45.875 --> 00:09:46.742
The other provincial officials assembled for the dedication
00:09:46.809 --> 00:09:48.044
Assembled for the dedication of the image that
00:09:48.110 --> 00:09:48.744
Of the image that king nebuchadnezzar had set up,
00:09:48.811 --> 00:09:50.846
King nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.
00:09:50.913 --> 00:09:52.615
And they stood before it. then the herald
00:09:52.682 --> 00:09:53.282
Then the herald loudly proclaimed,
00:09:53.349 --> 00:09:54.817
Loudly proclaimed, 'nations and peoples
00:09:54.884 --> 00:09:55.785
'nations and peoples of every language,"
00:09:55.851 --> 00:09:57.820
Of every language," doesn't matter your culture,
00:09:57.887 --> 00:09:58.888
Doesn't matter your culture, your ethnicity, your religion,
00:09:58.954 --> 00:09:59.855
Your ethnicity, your religion, what your parents believe.
00:09:59.922 --> 00:10:00.656
What your parents believe. all of you, "this is what
00:10:00.723 --> 00:10:01.724
All of you, "this is what you are commanded,"
00:10:01.791 --> 00:10:03.325
You are commanded," not suggested,
00:10:03.392 --> 00:10:04.193
Not suggested, "'to do: as soon as you hear
00:10:04.260 --> 00:10:06.562
"'to do: as soon as you hear the sound of the horn,
00:10:06.629 --> 00:10:07.963
The sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp,
00:10:08.030 --> 00:10:10.199
Flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music,
00:10:10.266 --> 00:10:11.467
Pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship
00:10:11.534 --> 00:10:13.502
You must fall down and worship the image of gold that
00:10:13.569 --> 00:10:14.470
The image of gold that king nebuchadnezzar has set up.
00:10:14.537 --> 00:10:16.672
King nebuchadnezzar has set up. whoever does not fall down
00:10:16.739 --> 00:10:17.940
Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately
00:10:18.007 --> 00:10:19.241
And worship will immediately be thrown into
00:10:19.308 --> 00:10:20.309
Be thrown into a blazing furnace.'
00:10:20.376 --> 00:10:22.311
A blazing furnace.' therefore," because they wanted
00:10:22.378 --> 00:10:24.513
Therefore," because they wanted to make nebuchadnezzar happy,
00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:25.848
To make nebuchadnezzar happy, "as soon as they heard the sound
00:10:25.915 --> 00:10:26.816
"as soon as they heard the sound of the babylonian band,"
00:10:26.882 --> 00:10:28.184
Of the babylonian band," you can read it for yourself.
00:10:28.250 --> 00:10:29.185
You can read it for yourself. "all the nations," not a few,
00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:30.920
"all the nations," not a few, all of them, "and peoples
00:10:30.986 --> 00:10:32.221
All of them, "and peoples of every language,"
00:10:32.288 --> 00:10:33.055
Of every language," not some of them,
00:10:33.122 --> 00:10:33.656
Not some of them, every language.
00:10:33.723 --> 00:10:34.757
Every language. "fell down and worshiped
00:10:34.824 --> 00:10:35.524
"fell down and worshiped the image of gold that
00:10:35.591 --> 00:10:37.359
The image of gold that king nebuchadnezzar had set up."
00:10:37.426 --> 00:10:41.564
Now, a bit of back story.
00:10:41.664 --> 00:10:42.865
Now, a bit of back story. it seems that nebuchadnezzar,
00:10:42.932 --> 00:10:44.133
It seems that nebuchadnezzar, the ancient, most powerful man
00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:46.268
The ancient, most powerful man on earth was a bit
00:10:46.335 --> 00:10:47.036
On earth was a bit of a narcissist.
00:10:47.103 --> 00:10:50.439
Of a narcissist. in daniel 2,
00:10:50.506 --> 00:10:51.607
In daniel 2, right before this text,
00:10:51.674 --> 00:10:53.609
Right before this text, king nebuchadnezzar
00:10:53.676 --> 00:10:54.176
King nebuchadnezzar has this dream where
00:10:54.243 --> 00:10:55.044
Has this dream where he sees a giant statue.
00:10:55.111 --> 00:10:56.645
He sees a giant statue. the head is made of gold,
00:10:56.712 --> 00:10:58.080
The head is made of gold, the chest is made of silver,
00:10:58.147 --> 00:10:59.482
The chest is made of silver, other parts are made
00:10:59.548 --> 00:11:00.382
Other parts are made of bronze and clay.
00:11:00.449 --> 00:11:01.751
Of bronze and clay. he wakes up, he doesn't know
00:11:01.817 --> 00:11:02.485
He wakes up, he doesn't know what it means.
00:11:02.551 --> 00:11:03.385
What it means. and so, daniel interprets
00:11:03.452 --> 00:11:04.420
And so, daniel interprets the dream for him.
00:11:04.487 --> 00:11:05.154
The dream for him. he says, "well, nebuchadnezzar,
00:11:05.221 --> 00:11:06.021
He says, "well, nebuchadnezzar, that giant statue represents
00:11:06.088 --> 00:11:07.256
That giant statue represents all different kinds
00:11:07.323 --> 00:11:07.990
All different kinds of political kingdoms.
00:11:08.057 --> 00:11:10.793
Of political kingdoms. the head of gold,
00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:11.327
The head of gold, that's your kingdom of babylon.
00:11:11.393 --> 00:11:13.028
That's your kingdom of babylon. after you there will
00:11:13.095 --> 00:11:13.729
After you there will come another kingdom,
00:11:13.796 --> 00:11:14.363
Come another kingdom, that's the silver.
00:11:14.430 --> 00:11:15.164
That's the silver. and after that, another kingdom,
00:11:15.231 --> 00:11:16.565
And after that, another kingdom, that's the bronze and so forth."
00:11:16.632 --> 00:11:18.400
That's the bronze and so forth." well, nebuchadnezzar wakes up
00:11:18.467 --> 00:11:19.969
Well, nebuchadnezzar wakes up and he decides to try to make
00:11:20.035 --> 00:11:20.836
And he decides to try to make his dream come true,
00:11:20.903 --> 00:11:23.105
His dream come true, except this time with a twist.
00:11:23.172 --> 00:11:25.775
Except this time with a twist. he builds a 90 foot tall image,
00:11:25.841 --> 00:11:27.743
He builds a 90 foot tall image, maybe of himself, maybe of one
00:11:27.810 --> 00:11:28.978
Maybe of himself, maybe of one of his favorite gods,
00:11:29.044 --> 00:11:30.179
Of his favorite gods, and what does he make it of?
00:11:30.246 --> 00:11:32.681
And what does he make it of? all of gold.
00:11:32.748 --> 00:11:36.852
All of gold. which, in his dream,
00:11:36.919 --> 00:11:37.686
Which, in his dream, represented himself.
00:11:37.753 --> 00:11:41.957
Represented himself. this egomaniac says to everyone,
00:11:42.024 --> 00:11:44.226
This egomaniac says to everyone, "i am the king of all kings.
00:11:44.293 --> 00:11:47.563
"i am the king of all kings. the babylonian kingdom,
00:11:47.630 --> 00:11:48.330
The babylonian kingdom, my kingdom is an eternal kingdom
00:11:48.397 --> 00:11:50.432
My kingdom is an eternal kingdom that will never be followed
00:11:50.499 --> 00:11:52.501
That will never be followed by any other kingdom.
00:11:52.568 --> 00:11:53.869
By any other kingdom. and to recognize my sovereignty,
00:11:53.936 --> 00:11:56.172
And to recognize my sovereignty, my greatness, and my glory,
00:11:56.238 --> 00:11:58.007
My greatness, and my glory, i'll make the statue,
00:11:58.073 --> 00:11:59.008
I'll make the statue, and you get two choices.
00:11:59.074 --> 00:12:00.176
And you get two choices. when you hear the band,
00:12:00.242 --> 00:12:00.943
When you hear the band, you bow or you burn."
00:12:01.010 --> 00:12:05.781
You bow or you burn." they say that clarity
00:12:05.848 --> 00:12:06.649
They say that clarity is kindness, but in this case,
00:12:06.715 --> 00:12:08.818
Is kindness, but in this case, it was cruelty.
00:12:08.884 --> 00:12:11.854
It was cruelty. and nebuchadnezzar's wishes
00:12:11.921 --> 00:12:13.722
And nebuchadnezzar's wishes to make him happy were a problem
00:12:13.789 --> 00:12:16.525
To make him happy were a problem for three men that you
00:12:16.592 --> 00:12:17.493
For three men that you may have heard of:
00:12:17.560 --> 00:12:18.427
May have heard of: shadrach, meshach, and abednego.
00:12:18.494 --> 00:12:21.530
Shadrach, meshach, and abednego. their greatest passion
00:12:21.597 --> 00:12:22.398
Their greatest passion was not just to serve
00:12:22.464 --> 00:12:23.432
Was not just to serve the king of babylon,
00:12:23.499 --> 00:12:24.333
The king of babylon, it was to serve
00:12:24.400 --> 00:12:24.867
It was to serve the real king of all kings,
00:12:24.934 --> 00:12:27.002
The real king of all kings, whose kingdom
00:12:27.069 --> 00:12:27.469
Whose kingdom is paved with gold.
00:12:27.536 --> 00:12:28.237
Is paved with gold. it was to put their god first.
00:12:28.304 --> 00:12:29.905
It was to put their god first. and when nebuchadnezzar
00:12:29.972 --> 00:12:30.840
And when nebuchadnezzar heard it,
00:12:30.906 --> 00:12:33.542
Heard it, i try to picture this,
00:12:33.609 --> 00:12:34.376
I try to picture this, the band plays --
00:12:34.443 --> 00:12:36.178
The band plays -- how many people were there?
00:12:36.245 --> 00:12:36.912
How many people were there? hundreds?
00:12:36.979 --> 00:12:37.413
Hundreds? thousands?
00:12:37.479 --> 00:12:38.047
Thousands? tens of thousands?
00:12:38.113 --> 00:12:39.215
Tens of thousands? they all hit their face
00:12:39.281 --> 00:12:40.216
They all hit their face to the ground out of fear
00:12:40.282 --> 00:12:41.217
To the ground out of fear of nebuchadnezzar,
00:12:41.283 --> 00:12:42.318
Of nebuchadnezzar, but three mean stay standing.
00:12:42.384 --> 00:12:46.622
But three mean stay standing. and when someone first looked
00:12:46.689 --> 00:12:47.656
And when someone first looked to the side as they were
00:12:47.723 --> 00:12:48.891
To the side as they were bowing and they saw,
00:12:48.958 --> 00:12:50.559
Bowing and they saw, the whispers started
00:12:50.626 --> 00:12:51.360
The whispers started to run through crowd.
00:12:51.427 --> 00:12:52.728
To run through crowd. the word got back
00:12:52.795 --> 00:12:53.229
The word got back to nebuchadnezzar that
00:12:53.295 --> 00:12:54.663
To nebuchadnezzar that there were three people
00:12:54.730 --> 00:12:55.564
There were three people there who were not trying
00:12:55.631 --> 00:12:56.465
There who were not trying to make him happy,
00:12:56.532 --> 00:12:59.101
To make him happy, and he was not happy.
00:12:59.168 --> 00:13:01.770
Let's jump to verse 13.
00:13:01.871 --> 00:13:04.907
Let's jump to verse 13. "furious with rage,
00:13:04.974 --> 00:13:06.742
"furious with rage, nebuchadnezzar summoned
00:13:06.809 --> 00:13:07.543
Nebuchadnezzar summoned shadrach, meshach and abednego.
00:13:07.610 --> 00:13:09.545
Shadrach, meshach and abednego. so these men were brought
00:13:09.612 --> 00:13:10.346
So these men were brought before the king,
00:13:10.412 --> 00:13:10.946
Before the king, and nebuchadnezzar
00:13:11.013 --> 00:13:11.380
And nebuchadnezzar said to them, 'is it true,
00:13:11.447 --> 00:13:13.349
Said to them, 'is it true, shadrach, meshach and abednego,
00:13:13.415 --> 00:13:14.550
Shadrach, meshach and abednego, that you do not serve my gods
00:13:14.617 --> 00:13:17.286
That you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold
00:13:17.353 --> 00:13:18.220
Or worship the image of gold i have set up?
00:13:18.287 --> 00:13:19.588
I have set up? now when you hear
00:13:19.655 --> 00:13:21.523
Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute,
00:13:21.590 --> 00:13:22.892
The sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe
00:13:22.958 --> 00:13:23.926
Zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music,
00:13:23.993 --> 00:13:24.793
And all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down
00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:25.728
If you are ready to fall down and worship the image i've made,
00:13:25.794 --> 00:13:26.662
And worship the image i've made, very good.'"
00:13:26.729 --> 00:13:28.664
Very good.'" i'm feeling in
00:13:28.731 --> 00:13:29.431
I'm feeling in a good mood today, boys.
00:13:29.498 --> 00:13:30.566
A good mood today, boys. i'm going to give you
00:13:30.633 --> 00:13:31.267
I'm going to give you a second chance.
00:13:31.333 --> 00:13:32.968
A second chance. "'but if you do not worship it,
00:13:33.035 --> 00:13:35.337
"'but if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately
00:13:35.404 --> 00:13:37.273
You will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace.
00:13:37.339 --> 00:13:39.708
Into a blazing furnace. then what god will be able
00:13:39.775 --> 00:13:41.777
Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?'"
00:13:41.844 --> 00:13:44.747
This was not just like
00:13:44.847 --> 00:13:45.748
This was not just like a gun to the head and boom,
00:13:45.814 --> 00:13:48.417
A gun to the head and boom, before you know it,
00:13:48.484 --> 00:13:49.518
Before you know it, your faithfulness
00:13:49.585 --> 00:13:50.619
Your faithfulness ends you in heaven.
00:13:50.686 --> 00:13:51.587
Ends you in heaven. this is a torturous
00:13:51.654 --> 00:13:53.322
This is a torturous and miserable way to die.
00:13:53.389 --> 00:13:54.790
And miserable way to die. it must have been so terrible
00:13:54.857 --> 00:13:55.858
It must have been so terrible to think about.
00:13:55.925 --> 00:13:58.294
To think about. and it must have been
00:13:58.360 --> 00:13:58.894
And it must have been so tempting to compromise.
00:13:58.961 --> 00:14:02.364
So tempting to compromise. can you imagine?
00:14:02.431 --> 00:14:03.966
Can you imagine? "okay god, i'm sorry, i'm sorry,
00:14:04.033 --> 00:14:05.067
"okay god, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, i'm sorry, i'm sorry.
00:14:05.134 --> 00:14:06.568
I'm sorry, i'm sorry. i ask for your forgiveness,
00:14:06.635 --> 00:14:07.436
I ask for your forgiveness, you're merciful.
00:14:07.503 --> 00:14:08.203
You're merciful. all i have to do is
00:14:08.270 --> 00:14:09.271
All i have to do is bow down for one second.
00:14:09.338 --> 00:14:11.073
Bow down for one second. i just have to compromise
00:14:11.140 --> 00:14:11.840
I just have to compromise for one moment
00:14:11.907 --> 00:14:12.541
For one moment and it'll all be over,
00:14:12.608 --> 00:14:13.943
And it'll all be over, and then i'll get back
00:14:14.009 --> 00:14:14.576
And then i'll get back to serving god.
00:14:14.643 --> 00:14:15.477
To serving god. or maybe i'll bow down
00:14:15.544 --> 00:14:17.246
Or maybe i'll bow down to the image outwardly,
00:14:17.313 --> 00:14:18.414
To the image outwardly, but inwardly,
00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:19.048
But inwardly, i'm going to pray
00:14:19.114 --> 00:14:19.581
I'm going to pray to the real god.
00:14:19.648 --> 00:14:20.249
To the real god. i'll still, kind of,
00:14:20.316 --> 00:14:21.450
I'll still, kind of, put him first in my life,
00:14:21.517 --> 00:14:22.318
Put him first in my life, even if people don't
00:14:22.384 --> 00:14:23.085
Even if people don't have that impression."
00:14:23.152 --> 00:14:23.919
Have that impression." it would have been so tempting
00:14:23.986 --> 00:14:25.921
It would have been so tempting in the face of certain death
00:14:25.988 --> 00:14:28.724
In the face of certain death to move god to some other place
00:14:28.791 --> 00:14:31.126
To move god to some other place on their tower of priorities.
00:14:31.193 --> 00:14:34.930
On their tower of priorities. and yet, for these
00:14:34.997 --> 00:14:35.597
And yet, for these three jewish teenagers,
00:14:35.664 --> 00:14:37.566
Three jewish teenagers, that was not an option.
00:14:37.633 --> 00:14:42.171
That was not an option. they were not willing
00:14:42.237 --> 00:14:43.105
They were not willing for a second or a moment,
00:14:43.172 --> 00:14:46.141
For a second or a moment, to compromise their commitment
00:14:46.208 --> 00:14:47.176
To compromise their commitment to the one true god.
00:14:47.242 --> 00:14:51.013
To the one true god. and they stood up boldly,
00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:53.248
And they stood up boldly, courageously, and respectfully
00:14:53.315 --> 00:14:54.650
Courageously, and respectfully to the most powerful man
00:14:54.717 --> 00:14:56.552
To the most powerful man on the planet.
00:14:56.618 --> 00:14:57.953
Here's what they said.
00:14:58.053 --> 00:15:00.255
Here's what they said. "shadrach, meshach and abednego
00:15:00.322 --> 00:15:01.190
"shadrach, meshach and abednego replied to him,
00:15:01.256 --> 00:15:01.857
Replied to him, 'king nebuchadnezzar,
00:15:01.924 --> 00:15:04.693
'king nebuchadnezzar, we do not need
00:15:04.760 --> 00:15:05.194
We do not need to defend ourselves
00:15:05.260 --> 00:15:06.061
To defend ourselves before you in this matter.
00:15:06.128 --> 00:15:07.262
Before you in this matter. if we are thrown into
00:15:07.329 --> 00:15:08.430
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
00:15:08.497 --> 00:15:09.198
The blazing furnace, the god we serve is able
00:15:09.264 --> 00:15:11.333
The god we serve is able to deliver us from it,
00:15:11.400 --> 00:15:12.701
To deliver us from it, and he will deliver us
00:15:12.768 --> 00:15:13.702
And he will deliver us from your majesty's hand.
00:15:13.769 --> 00:15:16.372
From your majesty's hand. but even if he does not,
00:15:16.438 --> 00:15:19.541
But even if he does not, we want you to know,
00:15:19.608 --> 00:15:20.442
We want you to know, your majesty,
00:15:20.509 --> 00:15:22.244
Your majesty, that we will not serve your gods
00:15:22.311 --> 00:15:24.446
That we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold
00:15:24.513 --> 00:15:26.749
Or worship the image of gold that you have set up.'"
00:15:26.815 --> 00:15:30.853
This response is more golden
00:15:30.953 --> 00:15:33.789
This response is more golden than a giant statue
00:15:33.856 --> 00:15:35.124
Than a giant statue that nebuchadnezzar built.
00:15:35.190 --> 00:15:36.859
That nebuchadnezzar built. did you notice how incredibly
00:15:36.925 --> 00:15:39.094
Did you notice how incredibly respectful these young teenage
00:15:39.161 --> 00:15:41.630
Respectful these young teenage boys where to the man who was
00:15:41.697 --> 00:15:43.532
Boys where to the man who was threatening to kill them?
00:15:43.599 --> 00:15:45.567
Threatening to kill them? meshach didn't, like,
00:15:45.634 --> 00:15:46.535
Meshach didn't, like, drop the mic,
00:15:46.602 --> 00:15:47.603
Drop the mic, and shadrach didn't snap back
00:15:47.669 --> 00:15:48.704
And shadrach didn't snap back with some snarky comment.
00:15:48.771 --> 00:15:51.607
With some snarky comment. abednego didn't put up
00:15:51.673 --> 00:15:52.808
Abednego didn't put up a little sign like,
00:15:52.875 --> 00:15:54.076
A little sign like, "let's go babylonian brandon,"
00:15:54.143 --> 00:15:55.577
"let's go babylonian brandon," in his yard.
00:15:55.644 --> 00:15:56.478
In his yard. no.
00:15:56.545 --> 00:15:56.712
No. do you notice what they said?
00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:57.446
Do you notice what they said? they said,
00:15:57.513 --> 00:15:57.980
They said, "oh king nebuchadnezzar,
00:15:58.047 --> 00:16:00.282
"oh king nebuchadnezzar, your majesty," they said.
00:16:00.349 --> 00:16:02.017
Your majesty," they said. not, "you pagan.
00:16:02.084 --> 00:16:03.018
Not, "you pagan. i'm going to serve my god."
00:16:03.085 --> 00:16:04.787
I'm going to serve my god." no, they address him
00:16:04.853 --> 00:16:06.522
No, they address him with such respect,
00:16:06.588 --> 00:16:07.689
With such respect, even though
00:16:07.756 --> 00:16:08.424
Even though he's the worst possible option
00:16:08.490 --> 00:16:10.225
He's the worst possible option holing political office.
00:16:10.292 --> 00:16:11.493
Do you think we need to learn
00:16:11.593 --> 00:16:13.262
Do you think we need to learn that lesson today?
00:16:13.328 --> 00:16:15.431
That lesson today? these men stood up
00:16:15.497 --> 00:16:16.198
These men stood up to king nebuchadnezzar,
00:16:16.265 --> 00:16:16.932
To king nebuchadnezzar, here was his response.
00:16:16.999 --> 00:16:18.667
Here was his response. "then nebuchadnezzar was
00:16:18.734 --> 00:16:20.135
"then nebuchadnezzar was furious with shadrach,
00:16:20.202 --> 00:16:22.304
Furious with shadrach, meshach and abednego,
00:16:22.371 --> 00:16:23.172
Meshach and abednego, and his attitude
00:16:23.238 --> 00:16:23.972
And his attitude towards them changed.
00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.074
Towards them changed. he ordered the furnace heated
00:16:25.140 --> 00:16:26.408
He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual
00:16:26.475 --> 00:16:29.078
Seven times hotter than usual and commanded some
00:16:29.144 --> 00:16:29.511
And commanded some of the strongest soldiers in
00:16:29.578 --> 00:16:30.379
Of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up shadrach,
00:16:30.446 --> 00:16:32.114
His army to tie up shadrach, meshach and abednego
00:16:32.181 --> 00:16:32.948
Meshach and abednego and throw them into
00:16:33.015 --> 00:16:33.682
And throw them into the blazing furnace.
00:16:33.749 --> 00:16:35.517
The blazing furnace. so, these men,
00:16:35.584 --> 00:16:36.752
So, these men, wearing their robes, trousers,
00:16:36.819 --> 00:16:37.853
Wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes,
00:16:37.920 --> 00:16:39.021
Turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown
00:16:39.088 --> 00:16:40.322
Were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.
00:16:40.389 --> 00:16:41.924
Into the blazing furnace. the king's command was so urgent
00:16:41.990 --> 00:16:43.759
The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot
00:16:43.826 --> 00:16:45.427
And the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire
00:16:45.494 --> 00:16:46.695
That the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who
00:16:46.762 --> 00:16:47.896
Killed the soldiers who took up shadrach,
00:16:47.963 --> 00:16:49.164
Took up shadrach, meshach and abednego,
00:16:49.231 --> 00:16:51.100
Meshach and abednego, and these three men,
00:16:51.166 --> 00:16:51.667
And these three men, firmly tied, fell into
00:16:51.733 --> 00:16:53.735
Firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace."
00:16:53.802 --> 00:16:56.338
The blazing furnace." summary, the king was furious,
00:16:56.405 --> 00:16:57.973
The boys were flammable.
00:16:58.073 --> 00:17:00.809
The boys were flammable. trousers, turbans,
00:17:00.876 --> 00:17:02.044
Trousers, turbans, and everything else.
00:17:02.111 --> 00:17:02.778
And everything else. and the fiery furnace
00:17:02.845 --> 00:17:03.946
And the fiery furnace was fierier than that
00:17:04.012 --> 00:17:05.948
Was fierier than that furnace had ever been,
00:17:06.014 --> 00:17:09.251
And then god showed up.
00:17:09.351 --> 00:17:12.254
And then god showed up. "then king nebuchadnezzar leaped
00:17:12.321 --> 00:17:13.555
"then king nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement
00:17:13.622 --> 00:17:15.524
To his feet in amazement and asked his advisers,
00:17:15.591 --> 00:17:18.060
And asked his advisers, 'weren't there three men
00:17:18.127 --> 00:17:21.430
'weren't there three men that we tied up and threw
00:17:21.497 --> 00:17:22.564
That we tied up and threw into the fire?'
00:17:22.631 --> 00:17:24.399
Into the fire?' they replied,
00:17:24.466 --> 00:17:25.000
They replied, 'certainly, your majesty.'
00:17:25.067 --> 00:17:25.901
'certainly, your majesty.' he said, 'look!
00:17:25.968 --> 00:17:27.002
He said, 'look! i see -- i see four
00:17:27.069 --> 00:17:30.272
I see -- i see four walking around in the fire,
00:17:30.339 --> 00:17:31.406
Walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed,
00:17:31.473 --> 00:17:32.975
Unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like
00:17:33.041 --> 00:17:34.343
And the fourth looks like a son of the gods.'
00:17:34.409 --> 00:17:36.945
A son of the gods.' nebuchadnezzar then
00:17:37.012 --> 00:17:37.846
Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening
00:17:37.913 --> 00:17:38.647
Approached the opening of the blazing furnace
00:17:38.714 --> 00:17:39.615
Of the blazing furnace and shouted,
00:17:39.681 --> 00:17:40.149
And shouted, "shadrach, meshach and abednego,
00:17:40.215 --> 00:17:42.050
"shadrach, meshach and abednego, servants of the most high god,
00:17:42.117 --> 00:17:43.018
Servants of the most high god, come out!
00:17:43.085 --> 00:17:43.852
Come out! come here!'
00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:45.487
Come here!' so shadrach, meshach
00:17:45.554 --> 00:17:46.288
So shadrach, meshach and abednego came
00:17:46.355 --> 00:17:46.955
And abednego came out of the fire,
00:17:47.022 --> 00:17:48.457
Out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects,
00:17:48.524 --> 00:17:49.591
And the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers
00:17:49.658 --> 00:17:50.993
Governors and royal advisers crowded around them.
00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:51.660
Crowded around them. they saw that the fire
00:17:51.727 --> 00:17:52.761
They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies,
00:17:52.828 --> 00:17:54.396
Had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair
00:17:54.463 --> 00:17:55.130
Nor was a hair of their heads singed;
00:17:55.197 --> 00:17:56.598
Of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched,
00:17:56.665 --> 00:17:58.133
Their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell
00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:00.369
And there was no smell of fire on them."
00:18:00.435 --> 00:18:02.037
Of fire on them." we don't know
00:18:02.104 --> 00:18:02.437
We don't know exactly what happened,
00:18:02.504 --> 00:18:03.172
But we do know that the god
00:18:03.272 --> 00:18:04.773
But we do know that the god that they believed could save
00:18:04.840 --> 00:18:05.941
That they believed could save them decided to save them.
00:18:06.008 --> 00:18:10.746
Them decided to save them. and it was such
00:18:10.812 --> 00:18:11.413
And it was such a shocking moment that
00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.447
A shocking moment that nebuchadnezzar who before,
00:18:12.514 --> 00:18:14.283
Nebuchadnezzar who before, was punishing these boys
00:18:14.349 --> 00:18:15.484
Was punishing these boys for their faith in god,
00:18:15.551 --> 00:18:16.218
For their faith in god, he said this in chapter 3:29,
00:18:16.285 --> 00:18:19.655
"no other god
00:18:19.755 --> 00:18:22.124
"no other god can save this way."
00:18:22.191 --> 00:18:27.129
Can save this way." and that is how you put god
00:18:27.196 --> 00:18:29.731
At the top of your tower.
00:18:29.831 --> 00:18:33.035
When someone's going to be
00:18:33.135 --> 00:18:33.802
Disappointed in your decision,
00:18:33.869 --> 00:18:35.037
When someone isn't going
00:18:35.103 --> 00:18:36.038
To applaud your faith,
00:18:36.104 --> 00:18:37.072
How do you make the choice
00:18:37.139 --> 00:18:38.740
At the end of the day
00:18:38.807 --> 00:18:39.508
To disappoint them
00:18:39.575 --> 00:18:40.309
To live a god pleasing life?
00:18:40.375 --> 00:18:42.711
Simply by remembering this,
00:18:42.811 --> 00:18:43.579
Simply by remembering this, if you're taking notes.
00:18:43.645 --> 00:18:44.613
If you're taking notes. that no other god can save.
00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:49.851
That no other god can save. if i have to choose to make
00:18:49.918 --> 00:18:51.353
If i have to choose to make someone in this tower happy,
00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:52.421
Someone in this tower happy, why not the god who always
00:18:52.487 --> 00:18:54.323
Why not the god who always shows up for me and always
00:18:54.389 --> 00:18:55.524
Shows up for me and always uses his power for my good?
00:18:55.591 --> 00:19:01.163
Uses his power for my good? or most of all, finally,
00:19:01.230 --> 00:19:02.764
Or most of all, finally, there's no other god who can
00:19:02.831 --> 00:19:03.999
There's no other god who can save you from the fire forever.
00:19:04.066 --> 00:19:09.538
Save you from the fire forever. you know, the reason that
00:19:09.605 --> 00:19:10.405
You know, the reason that christians love god is because
00:19:10.472 --> 00:19:12.274
Christians love god is because we have a god who saved us.
00:19:12.341 --> 00:19:15.143
We have a god who saved us. he didn't just save us
00:19:15.210 --> 00:19:15.978
He didn't just save us from being sick,
00:19:16.044 --> 00:19:16.511
From being sick, he didn't just save us
00:19:16.578 --> 00:19:17.312
He didn't just save us from being lonely,
00:19:17.379 --> 00:19:18.180
From being lonely, he didn't just save us
00:19:18.247 --> 00:19:18.947
He didn't just save us from being broke.
00:19:19.014 --> 00:19:20.382
From being broke. he saved us from
00:19:20.449 --> 00:19:22.050
He saved us from the fire of hell.
00:19:22.117 --> 00:19:25.654
The fire of hell. can you think of any
00:19:25.721 --> 00:19:26.455
Can you think of any ancient story of, like,
00:19:26.521 --> 00:19:27.456
Ancient story of, like, some all-powerful king,
00:19:27.522 --> 00:19:29.157
Some all-powerful king, and they bring, like,
00:19:29.224 --> 00:19:29.691
And they bring, like, a rebel who is trying
00:19:29.758 --> 00:19:31.093
A rebel who is trying to subvert his kingdom?
00:19:31.159 --> 00:19:33.428
To subvert his kingdom? instead of chopping
00:19:33.495 --> 00:19:33.962
Instead of chopping off his head, the king
00:19:34.029 --> 00:19:35.130
Off his head, the king steps forward and says,
00:19:35.197 --> 00:19:35.731
Steps forward and says, "i'll die for you."
00:19:35.797 --> 00:19:39.067
"i'll die for you." that was not in
00:19:39.134 --> 00:19:40.702
That was not in nebuchadnezzar's wikipedia page,
00:19:40.769 --> 00:19:41.570
Nebuchadnezzar's wikipedia page, i checked.
00:19:41.637 --> 00:19:42.838
I checked. no, kings punished the sinners
00:19:42.904 --> 00:19:44.940
No, kings punished the sinners in their kingdom.
00:19:45.007 --> 00:19:46.275
In their kingdom. but in christianity,
00:19:46.341 --> 00:19:46.975
But in christianity, we have a king
00:19:47.042 --> 00:19:47.609
We have a king who was punished for us.
00:19:47.676 --> 00:19:50.379
Who was punished for us. we have a jesus who didn't just
00:19:50.445 --> 00:19:51.246
We have a jesus who didn't just jump in the fire to be with us.
00:19:51.313 --> 00:19:52.648
Jump in the fire to be with us. he actually jumped into
00:19:52.714 --> 00:19:53.749
He actually jumped into the fires of hell in our place.
00:19:53.815 --> 00:19:56.885
The fires of hell in our place. he knew that we weren't always
00:19:56.952 --> 00:19:57.953
He knew that we weren't always the courageous, young christians
00:19:58.020 --> 00:19:59.521
The courageous, young christians like shadrach, meshach,
00:19:59.588 --> 00:20:00.489
Like shadrach, meshach, and abednego.
00:20:00.555 --> 00:20:01.123
And abednego. sometimes, in the heat
00:20:01.189 --> 00:20:01.823
Sometimes, in the heat of the moment,
00:20:01.890 --> 00:20:02.391
Of the moment, we bowed to babylon.
00:20:02.457 --> 00:20:05.460
We bowed to babylon. we compromised our faith.
00:20:05.527 --> 00:20:06.495
We compromised our faith. we cut a corner.
00:20:06.561 --> 00:20:10.065
We cut a corner. but instead of giving us
00:20:10.132 --> 00:20:10.799
But instead of giving us the punishment we deserved,
00:20:10.866 --> 00:20:12.467
The punishment we deserved, we have a king
00:20:12.534 --> 00:20:13.201
We have a king who laid down his life.
00:20:13.268 --> 00:20:15.570
Who laid down his life. who paid it all on the cross.
00:20:15.637 --> 00:20:16.838
Who paid it all on the cross. who went through his own
00:20:16.905 --> 00:20:18.940
Who went through his own fiery furnace and stepped out
00:20:19.007 --> 00:20:20.242
Fiery furnace and stepped out alive on easter morning.
00:20:20.309 --> 00:20:21.977
Alive on easter morning. who would love us
00:20:22.044 --> 00:20:23.845
Who would love us like jesus loves us?
00:20:23.912 --> 00:20:26.682
Like jesus loves us? a god who would sacrifice
00:20:26.748 --> 00:20:28.216
A god who would sacrifice the only son that he had,
00:20:28.283 --> 00:20:30.385
The only son that he had, that you and i, sinners,
00:20:30.452 --> 00:20:31.953
That you and i, sinners, could become his sons
00:20:32.020 --> 00:20:33.355
Could become his sons and his daughters
00:20:33.422 --> 00:20:34.056
And his daughters through faith.
00:20:34.122 --> 00:20:36.491
Through faith. now, you might have some
00:20:36.558 --> 00:20:37.125
Now, you might have some good friends, and your boss,
00:20:37.192 --> 00:20:38.293
Good friends, and your boss, and your classmates might
00:20:38.360 --> 00:20:39.261
And your classmates might offer you acceptance,
00:20:39.328 --> 00:20:40.028
Offer you acceptance, approval, or money.
00:20:40.095 --> 00:20:41.263
Approval, or money. but there's no one that can
00:20:41.330 --> 00:20:42.397
But there's no one that can offer you heaven, happiness,
00:20:42.464 --> 00:20:44.633
Offer you heaven, happiness, and eternal life like the god
00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:45.867
And eternal life like the god who gave up everything
00:20:45.934 --> 00:20:46.835
Who gave up everything to make you his own.
00:20:46.902 --> 00:20:50.772
To make you his own. and when i put all
00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:51.406
And when i put all that together, i mean,
00:20:51.473 --> 00:20:54.276
That together, i mean, it might not be simple
00:20:54.343 --> 00:20:56.244
It might not be simple to put god first,
00:20:56.311 --> 00:20:58.080
To put god first, but it's, kind of,
00:20:58.146 --> 00:20:58.780
But it's, kind of, an obvious decision, isn't it?
00:20:58.847 --> 00:21:01.583
An obvious decision, isn't it? wait, i have to choose
00:21:01.650 --> 00:21:02.284
Wait, i have to choose between you or the god
00:21:02.351 --> 00:21:04.353
Between you or the god who died for me?
00:21:04.419 --> 00:21:06.188
Who died for me? hmm.
00:21:06.254 --> 00:21:07.756
Hmm. wait, i can either
00:21:07.823 --> 00:21:08.690
Wait, i can either make you happy, a guy who
00:21:08.757 --> 00:21:09.991
Make you happy, a guy who forgets his phone passwords,
00:21:10.058 --> 00:21:11.960
Forgets his phone passwords, or the god who gave me
00:21:12.027 --> 00:21:13.528
Or the god who gave me the password to eternal life?
00:21:13.595 --> 00:21:15.330
The password to eternal life? like, i'm sorry, your majesty,
00:21:15.397 --> 00:21:16.665
Like, i'm sorry, your majesty, but nah.
00:21:16.732 --> 00:21:18.200
But nah. nah, i can't, and i won't,
00:21:18.266 --> 00:21:20.802
Nah, i can't, and i won't, and i hope you respect my faith.
00:21:20.869 --> 00:21:23.205
And i hope you respect my faith. but there is zero chance that
00:21:23.271 --> 00:21:24.773
But there is zero chance that i'm compromising for you,
00:21:24.840 --> 00:21:26.041
I'm compromising for you, you're human and he's god.
00:21:26.108 --> 00:21:31.913
You're human and he's god. and that kind of courage
00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:32.514
And that kind of courage and faith makes me
00:21:32.581 --> 00:21:33.148
And faith makes me think of this guy.
00:21:33.215 --> 00:21:35.217
Back in the 4th century,
00:21:35.317 --> 00:21:35.984
There was a famous christian
00:21:36.051 --> 00:21:37.419
Pastor named john chrysostom.
00:21:37.486 --> 00:21:40.021
You church history buffs
00:21:40.088 --> 00:21:40.889
Might have heard of him.
00:21:40.956 --> 00:21:41.523
He's one of the most famous
00:21:41.590 --> 00:21:42.290
Preachers of
00:21:42.357 --> 00:21:42.858
The past 2,000 years.
00:21:42.924 --> 00:21:43.892
Chrysostom is greek for
00:21:43.992 --> 00:21:45.327
Chrysostom is greek for "golden mouth."
00:21:45.394 --> 00:21:47.129
"golden mouth." apparently, when he preached,
00:21:47.195 --> 00:21:48.063
Apparently, when he preached, it was so golden,
00:21:48.130 --> 00:21:49.731
It was so golden, people hung at his every word,
00:21:49.798 --> 00:21:50.932
People hung at his every word, they'd never heard
00:21:50.999 --> 00:21:51.466
They'd never heard anything like it.
00:21:51.533 --> 00:21:52.267
Anything like it. he was an amazing
00:21:52.334 --> 00:21:52.901
He was an amazing christian pastor.
00:21:52.968 --> 00:21:53.969
Christian pastor. and he had this, kind of,
00:21:54.035 --> 00:21:55.470
And he had this, kind of, annoying habit of speaking
00:21:55.537 --> 00:21:56.738
Annoying habit of speaking the truth of christianity
00:21:56.805 --> 00:21:57.839
The truth of christianity to very powerful people.
00:21:57.906 --> 00:22:00.909
To very powerful people. this painting is of an empress
00:22:00.976 --> 00:22:02.344
This painting is of an empress he once confronted for
00:22:02.411 --> 00:22:03.512
He once confronted for her immorality.
00:22:03.578 --> 00:22:05.514
Her immorality. she didn't like it.
00:22:05.580 --> 00:22:06.948
She didn't like it. one time, in fact,
00:22:07.015 --> 00:22:07.716
One time, in fact, john chrysostom opposed
00:22:07.783 --> 00:22:08.917
John chrysostom opposed the emperor himself,
00:22:08.984 --> 00:22:09.718
The emperor himself, and that's when the emperor
00:22:09.785 --> 00:22:10.485
And that's when the emperor got a little bit grouchy
00:22:10.552 --> 00:22:11.753
Got a little bit grouchy and turned into
00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:13.088
And turned into nebuchadnezzar of babylon.
00:22:13.155 --> 00:22:14.456
Nebuchadnezzar of babylon. he said to john chrysostom,
00:22:14.523 --> 00:22:15.724
He said to john chrysostom, "unless you stop saying
00:22:15.791 --> 00:22:16.925
"unless you stop saying what you're saying,
00:22:16.992 --> 00:22:19.327
What you're saying, unless you rethink
00:22:19.394 --> 00:22:20.429
Unless you rethink your priorities in life,
00:22:20.495 --> 00:22:21.463
Your priorities in life, i will banish you
00:22:21.530 --> 00:22:22.464
I will banish you from the kingdom."
00:22:22.531 --> 00:22:26.101
From the kingdom." and john chrysostom said,
00:22:26.168 --> 00:22:28.036
And john chrysostom said, "um, you can't.
00:22:28.103 --> 00:22:30.806
"um, you can't. the whole world is the kingdom
00:22:30.872 --> 00:22:32.107
The whole world is the kingdom of my heavenly father."
00:22:32.174 --> 00:22:34.976
Of my heavenly father." "well, then i'll take away
00:22:35.043 --> 00:22:35.710
"well, then i'll take away your life,"
00:22:35.777 --> 00:22:36.511
Your life," the emperor threatened.
00:22:36.578 --> 00:22:38.580
The emperor threatened. "you can't.
00:22:38.647 --> 00:22:40.048
"you can't. god is my life,
00:22:40.115 --> 00:22:41.216
God is my life, and that life is eternal."
00:22:41.283 --> 00:22:43.485
And that life is eternal." "then i'll take away
00:22:43.552 --> 00:22:44.085
"then i'll take away all of your treasure
00:22:44.152 --> 00:22:45.120
All of your treasure and your money."
00:22:45.187 --> 00:22:45.654
And your money." "you can't.
00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:46.321
"you can't. my treasure is in heaven,
00:22:46.388 --> 00:22:47.722
My treasure is in heaven, guarded by god."
00:22:47.789 --> 00:22:48.957
Guarded by god." "well then,
00:22:49.024 --> 00:22:49.324
"well then, i'll banish you to some island
00:22:49.391 --> 00:22:50.425
I'll banish you to some island where you will never see
00:22:50.492 --> 00:22:51.326
Where you will never see a single one of your
00:22:51.393 --> 00:22:52.194
A single one of your friends again."
00:22:52.260 --> 00:22:54.229
Friends again." "you can't.
00:22:54.296 --> 00:22:55.897
"you can't. jesus is my friend
00:22:55.964 --> 00:22:56.698
Jesus is my friend and he has promised
00:22:56.765 --> 00:22:57.432
And he has promised to be with me always."
00:22:57.499 --> 00:23:01.770
To be with me always." why did john chrysostom,
00:23:01.837 --> 00:23:03.205
Why did john chrysostom, like the three teenage
00:23:03.271 --> 00:23:04.473
Like the three teenage jewish boys before him,
00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.240
Jewish boys before him, stand up boldly for god?
00:23:05.307 --> 00:23:08.243
Stand up boldly for god? because he believed in god.
00:23:08.310 --> 00:23:11.179
Because he believed in god. because god wasn't just
00:23:11.246 --> 00:23:12.447
Because god wasn't just another part of his life.
00:23:12.514 --> 00:23:14.349
Another part of his life. god just wasn't just
00:23:14.416 --> 00:23:15.050
God just wasn't just another person.
00:23:15.116 --> 00:23:15.650
Another person. he was so glorious,
00:23:15.717 --> 00:23:17.118
He was so glorious, and hallowed, and magnified,
00:23:17.185 --> 00:23:18.320
And hallowed, and magnified, and wonderful that when it came
00:23:18.386 --> 00:23:20.422
And wonderful that when it came to those difficult moments
00:23:20.489 --> 00:23:21.690
To those difficult moments where you had to choose,
00:23:21.756 --> 00:23:24.392
Where you had to choose, they said, "i don't know who
00:23:24.459 --> 00:23:25.293
They said, "i don't know who you're going to choose,
00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:26.061
You're going to choose, but as for me and my household,
00:23:26.127 --> 00:23:29.130
But as for me and my household, we will choose, we will serve,
00:23:29.197 --> 00:23:31.366
We will choose, we will serve, and we will worship the lord."
00:23:31.433 --> 00:23:34.236
And we will worship the lord." so, my brothers
00:23:34.302 --> 00:23:34.836
So, my brothers and sisters in faith,
00:23:34.903 --> 00:23:35.604
And sisters in faith, the next time this happens,
00:23:35.670 --> 00:23:37.806
The next time this happens, when you have to choose
00:23:37.873 --> 00:23:38.607
When you have to choose to make someone happy,
00:23:38.673 --> 00:23:41.076
To make someone happy, i pray that you choose
00:23:41.142 --> 00:23:42.210
I pray that you choose to make happy the only
00:23:42.277 --> 00:23:43.111
To make happy the only one who saves.
00:23:43.178 --> 00:23:49.251
One who saves. let's pray.
00:23:49.317 --> 00:23:50.986
Let's pray. "dear god, you are worthy.
00:23:51.052 --> 00:23:53.855
"dear god, you are worthy. and the angels in heaven,
00:23:53.922 --> 00:23:55.290
And the angels in heaven, our departed loved ones who
00:23:55.357 --> 00:23:56.358
Our departed loved ones who knew jesus, they see it.
00:23:56.424 --> 00:23:59.060
Knew jesus, they see it. and today, we confess it
00:23:59.127 --> 00:24:00.061
And today, we confess it and proclaim it
00:24:00.128 --> 00:24:00.795
And proclaim it that you are worthy.
00:24:00.862 --> 00:24:03.598
That you are worthy. god, whether you heal us
00:24:03.665 --> 00:24:04.566
God, whether you heal us with your almighty hand,
00:24:04.633 --> 00:24:05.467
With your almighty hand, or if you don't, you're worthy.
00:24:05.534 --> 00:24:07.569
Or if you don't, you're worthy. if we continue
00:24:07.636 --> 00:24:08.203
If we continue to struggle financially,
00:24:08.270 --> 00:24:09.237
To struggle financially, or if we can finally
00:24:09.304 --> 00:24:10.071
Or if we can finally turn that corner,
00:24:10.138 --> 00:24:10.639
Turn that corner, you are worthy.
00:24:10.705 --> 00:24:11.406
You are worthy. if the relationship gets
00:24:11.473 --> 00:24:12.974
If the relationship gets restored or we have to learn
00:24:13.041 --> 00:24:14.709
Restored or we have to learn a new chapter of life,
00:24:14.776 --> 00:24:15.477
A new chapter of life, you are worthy.
00:24:15.544 --> 00:24:16.511
You are worthy. if you're the god who gave up
00:24:16.578 --> 00:24:17.746
If you're the god who gave up everything to give us
00:24:17.812 --> 00:24:19.281
Everything to give us everything forever,
00:24:19.347 --> 00:24:20.282
Everything forever, you're worthy
00:24:20.348 --> 00:24:20.849
Of everything we have.
00:24:20.949 --> 00:24:22.450
And so, i pray that you would
00:24:22.517 --> 00:24:23.318
Give us the faith of shadrach,
00:24:23.385 --> 00:24:24.519
Meshach, and abednego.
00:24:24.586 --> 00:24:26.688
I pray that you would give us
00:24:26.755 --> 00:24:27.556
Faith that holds on to you,
00:24:27.622 --> 00:24:28.924
Whether we see
00:24:28.990 --> 00:24:29.524
The instant reward,
00:24:29.591 --> 00:24:30.425
Or we have to wait for it.
00:24:30.492 --> 00:24:32.827
And i pray especially for
00:24:32.894 --> 00:24:33.728
The young men and young women
00:24:33.795 --> 00:24:34.696
Who are here today.
00:24:34.763 --> 00:24:36.531
God, if feels like a long wait
00:24:36.598 --> 00:24:39.301
Until you see heaven.
00:24:39.367 --> 00:24:41.102
But i pray that
00:24:41.169 --> 00:24:42.304
They would love you like
00:24:42.370 --> 00:24:43.171
The young apostles did,
00:24:43.238 --> 00:24:44.506
And like the young men
00:24:44.573 --> 00:24:45.373
In the story did.
00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:47.709
God, help them to enjoy
00:24:47.776 --> 00:24:49.177
The benefits of money
00:24:49.244 --> 00:24:50.011
But never to worship it.
00:24:50.078 --> 00:24:52.080
Maybe to seek to start a family,
00:24:52.147 --> 00:24:53.682
But never to make that
00:24:53.748 --> 00:24:54.349
Their greatest priority.
00:24:54.416 --> 00:24:56.251
To love recreation and nature,
00:24:56.318 --> 00:24:57.919
But at the end of the day,
00:24:57.986 --> 00:24:58.787
To love you and your word
00:24:58.853 --> 00:24:59.588
And your son so much more.
00:24:59.654 --> 00:25:02.424
I pray for my own kids,
00:25:02.490 --> 00:25:04.826
That when the day comes,
00:25:04.893 --> 00:25:05.827
And when they're not sitting
00:25:05.894 --> 00:25:06.461
In the back of the van
00:25:06.528 --> 00:25:07.195
With mom and dad,
00:25:07.262 --> 00:25:08.697
When they have to make
00:25:08.763 --> 00:25:09.331
Their own choice,
00:25:09.397 --> 00:25:09.798
They would've found
00:25:09.864 --> 00:25:10.532
Something in you,
00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:12.200
The god of their mother
00:25:12.267 --> 00:25:13.268
And father,
00:25:13.335 --> 00:25:14.035
That's so good, so worthy,
00:25:14.102 --> 00:25:15.971
That the choice would be easy.
00:25:16.037 --> 00:25:18.239
'i'm going to follow him.
00:25:18.306 --> 00:25:19.574
I'm going to worship
00:25:19.641 --> 00:25:20.175
The only god that can save.'
00:25:20.241 --> 00:25:22.243
I pray that you keep us
00:25:22.310 --> 00:25:23.044
Strong as we seek first
00:25:23.111 --> 00:25:23.878
Your kingdom
00:25:23.945 --> 00:25:24.312
And your righteousness,
00:25:24.379 --> 00:25:25.647
And believe that
00:25:25.714 --> 00:25:26.381
If we follow you,
00:25:26.448 --> 00:25:27.415
There's no better way to live.
00:25:27.482 --> 00:25:29.451
I pray this in
00:25:29.517 --> 00:25:30.085
The mighty name of jesus."
00:25:30.151 --> 00:25:31.219
And all god's people say amen.
00:25:31.286 --> 00:25:34.089
>> thank you, pastor mike,
00:25:35.056 --> 00:25:35.857
>> thank you, pastor mike, for this powerful sermon,
00:25:35.924 --> 00:25:37.359
For this powerful sermon, challenging us to consider
00:25:37.425 --> 00:25:38.526
Challenging us to consider if we know and believe god
00:25:38.593 --> 00:25:40.061
If we know and believe god is worth following even when
00:25:40.128 --> 00:25:41.496
Is worth following even when it comes with considerable cost.
00:25:41.563 --> 00:25:43.698
It comes with considerable cost. this month, we have
00:25:43.765 --> 00:25:44.599
This month, we have a new book by
00:25:44.666 --> 00:25:45.333
A new book by pastor jeremy mattek.
00:25:45.400 --> 00:25:46.835
Pastor jeremy mattek. it's called,
00:25:46.901 --> 00:25:47.335
It's called, "god understands:
00:25:47.402 --> 00:25:48.103
"god understands: encouragement from
00:25:48.169 --> 00:25:49.004
Encouragement from the book of daniel."
00:25:49.070 --> 00:25:50.238
The book of daniel." this 22-day study of daniel
00:25:50.305 --> 00:25:52.307
This 22-day study of daniel reveals how god compassionately
00:25:52.374 --> 00:25:54.042
Reveals how god compassionately cares for you,
00:25:54.109 --> 00:25:55.043
Cares for you, even when you can't see
00:25:55.110 --> 00:25:56.378
Even when you can't see his hand at work.
00:25:56.444 --> 00:25:57.278
His hand at work. request your copy
00:25:57.345 --> 00:25:58.446
Request your copy with your financial gift
00:25:58.513 --> 00:25:59.447
With your financial gift to time of grace.
00:25:59.514 --> 00:26:00.415
>> life can be
00:26:02.951 --> 00:26:03.551
Uncomfortable and overwhelming,
00:26:03.652 --> 00:26:05.553
With moments that don't
00:26:05.654 --> 00:26:06.421
Always make sense.
00:26:06.521 --> 00:26:07.522
They can feel
00:26:07.622 --> 00:26:08.089
Scary and intimidating.
00:26:08.189 --> 00:26:10.158
Daniel lived most
00:26:10.258 --> 00:26:11.159
Of his life surrounded
00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:12.327
By cultural pressure
00:26:12.427 --> 00:26:13.495
And persecution,
00:26:13.595 --> 00:26:14.796
Yet he knew
00:26:14.896 --> 00:26:15.497
That god understands,
00:26:15.597 --> 00:26:17.098
God cares and god
00:26:17.198 --> 00:26:18.400
Is in control.
00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.734
In jeremy mattek's new book,
00:26:19.834 --> 00:26:21.336
"god understand:
00:26:21.436 --> 00:26:22.270
Encouragement from
00:26:22.370 --> 00:26:23.171
The book of daniel,"
00:26:23.271 --> 00:26:24.339
You'll find the courage
00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:25.273
To trust god, live for him
00:26:25.373 --> 00:26:27.475
And find hope in his promises.
00:26:27.575 --> 00:26:30.945
"god understands,"
00:26:31.046 --> 00:26:31.646
Is our way of thanking you
00:26:31.746 --> 00:26:32.580
For helping us show others
00:26:32.681 --> 00:26:33.915
That they too can trust
00:26:34.015 --> 00:26:35.116
God to keep his promises.
00:26:35.216 --> 00:26:37.519
Request yours today
00:26:37.619 --> 00:26:38.453
By calling 800-661-3311
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Mike Novotny - World Gone Mad: Faith Over Fear

June 3, 2025 | S25:E23

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