SoiKosum

(Daniel 4:23-26) What does it mean to “acknowledge that Heaven rules”? In what ways is this hard for a king? In what ways is this hard for us? How do we sometimes deny by our actions that God is in charge of all? "Heaven rules" mean that God the Most High is sovereign over the whole earth including kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. "Acknowledge" mean to understand and accept. It is obviously hard for a king precisely because as a king, he can lord it over other men and often this can go to the king's head that he did it out of his own strength and person. Nebuchadnezzar probably believes that he is king because of his own personal qualities of greatness, while the truth is that God is the one who lifts people up and puts them down. We can deny that God is in charge by not submitting ourselves to God and prayerfully seeking God's counsel in the things that we do. We can deny that God is in charge when we achieve success in some area and not give credit to God but believe that we achieved that success through our own hands.

(Daniel 4:10-20) Is Daniel actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? Why? Why are we afraid to say the hard things that must be said to help our brothers and sisters? What can we do about it? There are two possible reasons why Daniel was actually afraid to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: 1. Those who bring bad news to an absolute monarch often suffer "kill the messenger" consequences. 2. Daniel may have become fond of the king. 3. He may have been concerned with what will happen to the kingdom and to his own fortunes when the king is incapacitated. Given Daniel's close walk with God and his great faith in Yahweh, it is quite unlikely that Daniel would have been concerned about his own fortunes, although this is listed as a possible reason. Often we are afraid to say the hard things to help our brothers and sisters because most of the time it is received in the wrong manner and we are thought to have an agenda or "holy than thou" attitude. However, hard as it may be, sometimes we just have to pass on the word regardless of the consequences.

(Daniel 6:21-23) How does Daniel use his experience in the lions’ den to testify about God? What might have happened if, in his response to the king, Daniel had focused on the injustice done to him? What experience in your life might you use as a testimony of God’s mercy to you? At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, 'Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?' Daniel answered, 'O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Daniel gave glory to God as he attributed his safety to God sending His angels to protect him. The outcome would have been different had Daniel focussed on the injustice done to him rather than focussing on God's mercy and goodness. Daniel could have lost his life! God's mercy in my own life is countless since His mercies are new every morning. Thank you Father God.

(Daniel 6:10-11) How would you characterize Daniel’s prayer practices? Which of these have you adopted? Which might help your prayers if you adopted them? 1. Praying privately. 2. Praying toward Jerusalem. 3. Praying regularly, three times a day. 4. Praying while kneeling, humbling himself before God. 5. Praying with bowed head. 6. Praying giving thanks, praising. 7. Praying and petitioning God. 8. Praying seeking God's mercy. Such practices would help maintain our "spiritual connection" with God and put us in a position to hear more clearly from God.

(Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel’s character qualities as a government official from verse 4? How do such qualities reflect on Daniel’s God? Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? Tthe character qualities of Daniel was: 1. Trustworthy. He tells the truth and can be counted on to be faithful to his responsibilities. 2. Diligent. He keeps up with all his duties and doesn't let anything slip. 3. Honest. He doesn't take money or bribes from those trying to break the rules or be preferred over others. He hasn't been corrupted by how he might further his own interests while in office. Such qualities give all glory and honour to Yahweh. Daniel sets a high standard by which we can examine our own performance as employees.

(Daniel 3:28-30) How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? Nebuchadnezzar sums up the faith and faithfulness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "They trusted in [their God] and defied[98] the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." (3:28b) Faithful believers are willing to die rather than betray God. Mercifully, many of us will not be tested in this way. However, this itself is also a challenge, as the saying goes about untested fighters, boxers or soldiers never knowing their prowess or ability. Many things may hold us back - fear of death, losing the "good" life, possessions, loss of face, respect, dignity, and the list goes on.

(Daniel 3:19-27) What effect does their deliverance have on their government official colleagues? What effect does it have on the king? What kind of glory does God receive? The satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The Jews emerge unscathed. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. They were hardly able to believe that the fire had absolutely no effect on them or their clothing. To say the least, everyone was shocked. King Nebuchadnezzar leapt to his feet in amazement when he saw that there were four men in the furnace instead of three. King Nebuchadnezzar had sudden and new-found respect for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and called them "servants of the Most High God". All glory to God.

(Daniel 3:16-18) How do the Jews answer Nebuchadnezzar? What is their attitude? How do they witness about their God? Do they face death with resignation or defiance? Characterize their faith. The Jews' response to the king isn't very respectful, they flatly refuse to comply. Their reply was one of defiance - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'" (Daniel 3:1618) Their faith can be characterised as follows: 1. Faith in God's delivering power. They state, "Our God is able to deliver us." Yahweh is the allpowerful God. Nothing is beyond his power or intervention. Nothing! 2. Faith in God's ultimate plan. "Even if he doesn't deliver us, we still won't bow before your image." If God doesn't deliver, he hasn't forgotten. Things don't have to end up the way we think they should. God knows better. As Job declares, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him" (Job 13:15, KJV).

(Daniel 3:8-15) Why do the Jews’ fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? What is his motivation to have people bow to the statue? Jealous government officials were watching the Jews. These government officials probably didn't like "foreigners" getting better government positions than the local, loyal citizens. King Nebuchadnezzar was angry. He sees this as nonnegotiable, an act of loyalty. He doesn't care whether or not this is against the Jews' religion. His pride was at stake. Every kind of officer of the empire was expected to be present at the image's dedication, probably to show their loyalty. This may have been an attempt by the king to solidify control over the diverse elements of his vast empire.

What does verse 44 teach us about the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up? What kingdom is this? When does this kingdom come? How is this related to Mark 1:15? When will it destroy all other kingdoms? The coming Kingdom of God will be: 1. Temporal. The Kingdom of God will be set up or established in history, in the time period of the kingdoms described in the dream's interpretation. Jesus declared, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near." (Mark 1:15). Yes, it will be fully realized at Christ's coming, but it was established when he came to earth as Messiah. 2. Divine. God will set it up, not man. 3. Eternal. This kingdom will never be destroyed, or succeeded by another ("left to another people"), but will endure forever. Unlike all the kingdoms and empires that preceded it, it will not fall. 4. Consuming. It will eventually crush all other kingdoms and bring them to an end. Jesus identified himself with this Kingdom. Jesus himself is the Rock, the Divine Messiah, who at his Second Coming, will destroy all kingdoms and substitute His own. The Kingdom of God was established when Jesus came to earth as Messiah. However, it will only be fully realised at Christ's second coming. Even then Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen!

(Daniel 2:27-28) How does Daniel show humility in this situation? How does he use this situation as an opportunity to witness before the king to his faith in God? According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, should we try to exalt ourselves? If we do so, what will happen? When the King asked Daniel what his (the King's) dream was and how to interpret it, Daniel replied "No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come." Daniel takes no personal credit for the dream or its interpretation but praises "God in heaven who reveals mysteries" By being humble and giving God all the credit, Daniel was also witnessing to the King. The impact was so great that King Nebuchadnezzar was overcome by God's revelation and Daniel's interpretation. In Daniel 2:46-47, it was written that "Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” In 1 Peter 5:5-6, it is written that we should "be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." If we are humble, God himself will lift us up. Thank you Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

(Daniel 2:17-18) Why does Daniel ask his friends to “plead for mercy”? According to Scripture, is intercessory prayer important? Is it effective? How can we implement intercessory prayer in our churches? King Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So he called all the kingdom's magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers and he wanted them to tell him what he had dreamt and what it meant. The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the King asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. This made the King so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon including Daniel and his friends. Daniel sought audience with the King and he promised the king that he will do as the king asks, but he needs time to seek his God. The king grants him some time. Daniel was now fighting against time. Only God can help him and his friends. Daniel knows that the only thing that will save them is God's direct revelation, and so he and his friends call upon God with great urgency. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Yes according to Scripture, intercessory prayer is important. In Ezekiel 22:30, God said "...I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land..." This is also echoed in James 5:16 "...and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." I would assume that many churches already have intercessory prayer, whether these are conducted by small teams of prayer warriors or Church-wide prayer meetings.

What is Daniel’s first approach to eat a different diet? What does he do when his first attempt failed? What is his demeanor towards those over him? In what ways do you think God affects the outcome of Daniel’s request? Daniel's first approach was to make a request to the guard assigned to watch over them. When this didn't work, he changed tact. Since he knew the reason for the guard's hesitation and asked the guard to test his proposal i.e. Daniel and his friends were to go on a diet of vegetables and the guard was to compare their appearance to those who ate from the royal table. All the time, Daniel maintained a respectful demeanor towards his guards. It is certainly that God was at work here. God granted Daniel wisdom and understanding in the matter. God also granted Daniel and his friends favour with the guard. Without God's intervention, it would have been impossible for Daniel's request to be even considered. After all, Daniel and his friends were the captives and slaves.

Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king’s food and wine? How do you think eating the king’s food would cause defilement to Daniel’s conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel? It is not clear about Daniel's concern about defilement from taking food and wine from the king. There are several possibilities: 1. Food offered to idols. 2. Eating unclean animals, such as pork or horse. 3. Undue obligation to the king. According to eastern practices, to eat someone's food was to commit oneself to friendship, of covenant significance. So some believe Daniel was rejecting dependence upon the king. 4. Honoring God. Daniel could have been concerned to attribute good health to God, not to the king's excellent food. 5. Dietary guidelines. Some suggest that Daniel's diet is to model the superiority of a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcoholic beverage. Instead of speculating about the reason/s, I choose to see it was Daniel not wanting to compromise on his belief. More importantly, he had the courage to stand up from his belief. This showed his strength of character and his moral courage.

What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why? I think it was certainly a drastic change for Daniel and his friends. They were from noble and royal families in Jerusalem. However, they were now slaves and servants in Babylon. To add further insult, their names were changed to Babylonian names some of which included the names of Babylonian gods. To the Hebrews, who believed a person's character and future could be prefigured by their names, it is probably very difficult. Going from bad to worse, it would have been the last straw that broke the came's back if indeed Daniel and his friends were made eunuchs. However, they kept their focus on God. It was God who strengthened them and granted them favour with the Babylonians. This enabled them to keep their faith and not compromise God.

Have you ever made a rapid transition between your customary culture and a new and radically different culture? What did it feel like? Were you able to take your faith with you, or did it fade to the background during this time? Yes when we went to a predominantly Buddhist country where I was worked. There was a lot of anxiousness and apprehension of our part as we did not know what to expect. With prayers for grace, discernment and wisdom, we were able to settle down and make friends with the locals while at the same time we were able to keep our Christian faith. It is important to respect another person's culture and faith and extremely critical that we do not "shove" Christianity down an unbeliever's throat.

(John 21:18-19) What does death have to do with glorifying God? How will your life and death bring glory or credit to God? What does this passage teach us about God’s foreknowledge? I suppose we can say our death glorifies God, if, like Timothy, we can say "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith". (2 Timothy 4:7). God is omniscient, He knows all things. Hallelujah!

(John 21:15-17) Why does Jesus repeat the question and the assurance three times? What does this teach us about God repeating the lessons he wants us to learn? What does it say about God’s mercy and willingness to restore sinners to ministry? Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now Jesus renews his "call to preach" three times " - Feed my sheep." Jesus assures Peter that he has been restored to the ministry of caring for God's flock. God will repeat the lessons He wants us to learn until we repent of our sins and learn from the lessons. This is all about God's merciful and compassionate heart. It also shows His willingness to restore sinners to ministry.

(John 21:7-14) What does Jesus preparing breakfast for the disciples say about his love for them? His provision? What does Peter’s early morning swim say about his love for Jesus? Jesus' appearance to His disciples showed His love for them. More importantly I think it is also to console them and set aside time with them to reassure them that He will never leave us or forsake us. When the disciples reached the shore, there was already a fire burning and some fish and bread there. Together with the fish in the net, it signified God's provision. Miracles happen and God will meet our needs when we obey.However, I also believe that the fire, fish and bread at the beach would still have been there had the disciples not obeyed Jesus to throw their nets on the right side of the boat. Out of His love and mercy for us, God will still provide for us. Amen! Before the crucifixion, Jesus was always with the disciples. After His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus only appeared to His disciples periodically. At the Sea of Tiberias was the third time that Jesus appeared to His disciples. Peter was obviously longing and eager to see Jesus again.

(John 21:4-8) Why did Jesus tell the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat? Why did the disciples obey? What was the result? What impression did it make on the disciples? A quick search on the net yielded two possible reasons why Jesus asked the disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat: 1. The right side signifies the right brain, which is intuitive and which is where we must engage to birth the Christ within. (Joshua Tilghman, http://www.spiritofthescripture.com) 2. The disciples must have had their nets on the left side of the boat when Jesus asked them to try on the right side. It was not so much which side but rather it was an issue of obedience (Rodney Buchanan, http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons) I tend to favour number 2 above. It was a matter of obedience to Jesus. Listen to Him, follow His guidance and miracles happen. The disciples obeyed probably because it didn't hurt to try since they had been fishing all night and had not caught any fish. I also think that it must have been the disciples sub-conscious. Although they could not see Jesus clearly, they heard His voice and obeyed. As Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27) When they threw their nets on the right side, they caught so much fish that they were not able to haul their nets into the boat. I can only imagine that the disciples were so stunned and amazed. As this miracle happened, the disciples eyes were opened and they recognised that it was Jesus on the shore.

(John 20:30-31) How did John decide what to include in his Gospel and what to leave out? What is the purpose of his Gospel? John differentiates in verse 31b between believing and having life. Why? The guiding purpose of John's Gospel is to help readers both believe (intellectual) and find life (spiritual) in Jesus Christ (20:3031). The intellect is not enough. We must put our trust in Jesus and experience Jesus personally. Head knowledge does not allow us to live in the full victory that Jesus' death and resurrection have given us. We must acknowledge and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and experience Him for ourselves. Belief is not life in itself, but it opens up the door to the eternal life that flows from relationship with the Father, Son, and Spirit a life of joy and fellowship, now and forever. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev 3:20)

(John 20:24-29) Why do you think Thomas is so stubborn about believing that Jesus was raised from the dead? How do you think he felt when Jesus appeared before him? What was Thomas’s confession in verse 28? What is Jesus’ blessing offered to future believers? Thomas' philosophy seems be "seeing is believing". Perhaps, it could have also been a bit of anger (with himself for not being present when Jesus appeared) or maybe even jealousy - "... But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:25) When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas didn't even have to touch Jesus or examine His wounds. Thomas immediately exclaimed "My Lord and my God". Thomas must have been relieved and perhaps even a bit ashamed that he had doubted the rest of the disciples. Nevertheless, his exclamation pointed to his restored faith. Jesus' blessing was "... blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29) I believe this blessing is also applicable to us in our age.

(John 20:23) In what sense does the Church have the power to forgive sins? Do we (or the church’s authorized representatives) confer forgiveness or declare it? Or both? I believe only God can forgive sins. Man can forgive us when we sin against them, but ultimately we must also seek God's forgiveness of our sins. In turn, we are also to forgive sins against us. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matt 6:14-15)If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

(John 20:22) Why do you think Jesus commissioning the disciples (verse 21) is so closely linked with his giving the Holy Spirit (verse 22)? (See Acts 1:4, 8) Why is Jesus sending the Holy Spirit? Why do you think the work of the Holy Spirit tends to be neglected and misunderstood in our day? The disciples must receive the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, in order to have the power to accomplish Jesus' mission. They are not to attempt to accomplish their sending on their own power; rather they are to wait for his power. When Jesus has gone back to the Father, He will send the Holy Spirit - He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. (John 16:13-14) When He (the Holy Spirit) has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: - of sin, because they do not believe in Me - of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more - of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged The work of the Holy Spirit tends to be neglected and misunderstood in our day because we cannot bear the truth that He brings from the Father. Many people are not prepared to hear and face the truth. As such, pastors have watered down God's message to make it more palatable and politically correct.

(John 20:21) What is the relationship between the way the Father sent Jesus and how Jesus sends us? How careful are you to listen and get directions from Jesus in serving the Lord? The way the Father sent Jesus is how Jesus sends us: So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21) The Father sent Jesus. Now Jesus sends us on this holy relay team. We are under orders just as Jesus was; we bring another's message, and are charged to bring it accurately and clearly. In many churches, we're tempted to water down parts of the message that are difficult for the world to receive. Yes, we must communicate the Word in ways that are clear to our own culture, but we do not have freedom to alter the message to make it more palatable. Even more so, we do not have freedom to preach on certain aspects of the message eg wealth, grace, etc and ignore the rest. It is not our message, it is God's! Father, please forgive us.