Daniel 4:1-18; Daniel 4:18-27; Daniel 4:28-37. In Daniel chapter 4 there is a sudden change of perspective. Instead of Daniel this is written by King Nebuchadnezzar. Words of the bible written by the king of an ungodly nation! Does God communicate his truth to people who aren’t in church and not in the bible? What is God saying to people in our nation today? What are we to say?

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Does God confront the world?

Daniel 3:1, 8-30; 1 Peter 4:12-18; John 16:23–33. As we witness the great miracle of God’s rescue of His faithful servants from the fiery furnace, we are reminded that this is not an isolated ancient story. Troubles and trials come to each of us. The troubles of the world confront us every day—troubles in the news, troubles in our families, troubles within ourselves, troubles at work or at school. Jesus knows the world. So He said to His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Yet the final word of this Easter season is not trouble. It is hope through the resurrection of Jesus in defeat of all of this world’s troubles. “Take heart; I have overcome the world,” Jesus said. Being a follower of Jesus never protects us from experiencing the world’s troubles. It does give us hope. It does fill us with courage. It does strengthen our hearts.

Faith like Daniel - Fiery Trials

Daniel continues to be a man of God in an ungodly world. In today’s world Christians often assume that God is full of bitter anger and enjoys bringing justice on sinners. But the book of Daniel teaches us a very different heart of God and God’s people.

Daniel Chapter 2

In the Old Testament the nation of Israel fell. Now God’s people were taken to other countries to serve a ungodly king and live in a world with very different thoughts and believes. Daniel is great example of who God works in ungodly nations, and what God calls us has his children to be and to act in this new world. 

Daniel Chapter 1

Mark 1:40-45. When Jesus began His ministry, His heart of love lead Him to heal the sick. But His greater purpose was to heal the spiritual heart of humanity. As Jesus Christ has brought the gift of forgiveness, joy, and everlasting life, we also have a heart for those who are sick and suffering in this broken world. We have a heart to share what Jesus has won for us!

Spiritual Healing

Acts 10:34–48; 1 John 5:1–8; John 15:9–17. Life should be filled with joy. Jesus said that He came that our joy might be full. Yet, often the trials of life bring us down and block us from experiencing the joy God intended for us. It is not enough to say, “Be joyful!” We all desire to be filled with joy. We need to know how to cultivate joy in our lives. We need to know how to turn every circumstance into a reason for joy. Today, we will explore how to cultivate joy in our lives.

Cultivating Joy

Psalm 30:1-12; 1 Peter 5:6-11; John 16:16-22

Discovering Your Joy

Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9; 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Luke 10:1-11

Race Training: Couch to Cross (and beyond)

Psalm 18:21-30; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 4:18-22

Run the Race

Proverbs 9:1–10; Ephesians 5:6–21; John 6:51–69   Today we consider how we, as the people of God, should respond to our culture. We have explored how our culture is opposing God by redefining any and every truth God has spoken. Last weekend we discussed why God’s way is not just the best way, but the only true way. Now we consider how God would have us to move forward with His truth in the midst of our culture. How can we bring truth and love together to change minds and win hearts? For the important thing is not to win the argument, but to draw them to Christ and His saving grace.

Church and Culture: A Winsome Response to Our Culture

Proverbs 1:7-16; Ephesians 14:17-29; Matthew 7:12-20 The world in which we live today is very different than it was fifteen years ago. The faith of people in our community today is no longer on the Creator of the universe. Morality no longer has a source. Anger at those who disagree with us is more common than loving discussion. How do we help people embrace Jesus instead of the world?

God's Way is Always Best

Isaiah 42:14–21; 1 John 2:7-14; John 8:31-38 We find ourselves living in a land deeply divided by a cultural war. Many are asking how we got here. While many reasons are given for the division, most people wonder what the root cause is. What is really at issue? The answer is one that is deeply troubling for people of faith. In this series we will explore the central issue, what it means for us, and how the church should respond. While politics certainly play a role in what is occurring in America today, I want to be clear that neither party is the answer to solving the spiritual erosion of our nation, the Church is.

How Did We Get Here?

2 Kings 19:14-19; 1 Corinthians 8:1-6; John 5:30-46 In Bible times, everyone had a God. In today’s world, Christians are still the majority, but the number of Atheists continues to grow. The First Commandment says, “You shall have no other Gods before Me”. Everyone has a god; whether it be a family member, boss, or idol.

No Other Gods Today

Acts 11:27-12:5; Romans 8:28-39; Mark 10:35-48 In Scripture and our hymnody, human life is often portrayed as being a pilgrimage. “I’m But a Stranger Here” includes this classic line: “Short is my pilgrimage, Heav’n is my home” (Lutheran Service Book, 748 v. 2). The earthly pilgrimage of hymnwriter Thomas Taylor lasted only twenty-eight years—a brief life lived to God’s glory. The lives of many followers of Jesus have been brief, yet powerful. On this day, the Church remembers St. James the Elder, the brother of John, whose earthy life was ended at the murderous order of King Herod. As we sing of the “noble army of martyrs” in the Te Deum, we remember this singular disciple of Jesus Christ as part of that noble army.

St. James the Elder

Exodus 20:8-11; Colossians 2:16-23; Luke 6:1-11 From the creation of the world God established a Sabaoth day of rest. In today’s world it seems imposable to find a time of rest. Why did God take a break after 6 days of creation? What do we get from taking rest? How is it done in today’s world?

Summer Lessons: Sabbath and Rest

Life is full of joy and challenges and some pretty scary stuff. These messages can provide hope, and help, and comfort as you make your way through.

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Immanuel Voices

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