Stories from Daniel: Chapters 3 & 6

Jump to What’s Happening at Crossroads

¹ King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. (Daniel 3:1)

¹¹ That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. ¹² But there are some Jews — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego — whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:11-12)

Courage is the in spite of uncertainty.

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. ¹⁸ But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

1. Faith comes at a .

2. Our God is to save us

3. I know that God is able. I expect that He will. I still Him even if He doesn’t.

Courage is revealed more by our than by what happens

One of the greatest signs of maturity in a believer is how we when we face hardship.

¹⁹ Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. ²⁰ Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. ²¹ So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. ²² And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. ²³ So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. (Daniel 3:19-23)

¹⁶ So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” (Daniel 6:16)

²⁴ But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. ²⁵ “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” ²⁶ Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” (Daniel 3:24-26)

Additional Notes

What’s Happening at Crossroads

NEW HERE?

We’re so glad you’ve chosen to come to Crossroads today! We want to thank you for visiting and would love to get to know you. Stop by and say hello at one of our Welcome Centers, our First Step area, or check out ecrossroads.info for more. We can’t wait to meet you!

STORIES FROM DANIEL

The Old Testament book of Daniel tells the story of Daniel and his friends who are taken captive and hauled off to Babylon. As we explore their stories, we’ll find hope and encouragement to stay faithful to Jesus in today’s challenging culture. We have resources for you to dig deeper into the book of Daniel.

SUMMER LUNCHES

Crossroads is going to help fill in the gap this summer for student lunches. We are going to handle the Bon Air Park distribution site. We will serve a hot meal and distribute food (“Buddy Bags”) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays starting June 4th, running through July 23rd. If you’re interested in helping.

PRAY FOR EXTREME CAMP

Our summer camp for our elementary students going into 4th, 5th, and 6th grades starts today at The Ark Ministries in Converse. Five local churches are coming together with approximately 200 campers and faculty/volunteers. This year’s theme is “Fruit of the Spirit.” Pray for the Spirit to move, for our campers to meet Christ in a new way, and for lives to be changed.

MEIJER SIMPLY GIVE

The Meijer Simply Give Program has partnered with us to help restock our food pantry. The campaign runs through June 28th. We have one double day coming up on June 14. You can give any amount by selecting “Meijer Simply Give” on Pushpay at ecrossroads.org/give. Or you can place cash or check in any of the offering boxes at the auditorium entrances. Your generosity directly blesses families of our community.

CRASH COURSE

Want to better connect at Crossroads and take steps to grow? Crash Course will happen today after the gathering in the office area from 12:15-2:15. We’ll provide lunch and childcare is available.

NIGHT OF WORSHIP

Worship Night is postponed until the fall.

Why your giving matters

Find out more.

Pregnant and need help?

We’re here for you. Email us at [email protected]