Trusting God's Sovereignty and Celebrating New Faith
Summary
The morning was filled with joy and celebration as we witnessed the baptism of three individuals, each publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism serves as a powerful symbol of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and it was a privilege to see Jonathan, Rose, and Ron take this step of faith. Their transformation is a testament to the power of prayer and the impact of our community's prayer, care, and share ministry. As we continue to draw near to God, we experience His presence in profound ways, reminding us of the life-changing power of faith.
We then turned our attention to the book of Daniel, specifically chapters 7 and 8, which contain visions that Daniel received about future world powers. These visions, though perplexing to Daniel, provide us with a glimpse into the unfolding of history and God's sovereign plan. The visions depict various beasts representing empires that would rise and fall, leading up to the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom. Daniel's visions remind us that God is in control, even when the future seems uncertain.
As we study these prophecies, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and His ability to prepare us for what lies ahead. Just as God revealed the future to Daniel, He knows what is happening in our lives and has a plan for us. We are called to trust Him, knowing that He is working all things together for our good and His glory. Our confidence in God grows as we see His hand in history and in our own lives, and we are encouraged to trust Him with our tomorrows.
Key Takeaways:
- Baptism is a profound symbol of our identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward demonstration of an inward transformation, signifying our new life in Christ. As we witness baptisms, we are reminded of the power of prayer and community in leading others to faith. [00:45]
- Drawing near to God allows us to experience His presence in a real and transformative way. While our faith is based on the truths of Scripture, experiencing God deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith. Participating in prayer events and retreats can be life-changing, providing opportunities to encounter God in profound ways. [05:30]
- The visions in Daniel 7 and 8 reveal God's sovereignty over history and His plan for the future. These visions, though complex, assure us that God is in control and that His kingdom will ultimately be established. As we study these prophecies, we gain confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promises. [12:00]
- God knows the future and prepares us for what lies ahead. Just as He revealed future events to Daniel, He knows what is happening in our lives and has a plan for us. We are called to trust Him, even when we don't understand, knowing that He is working all things for our good. [01:06:20]
- Our confidence in God grows as we see His hand in history and in our lives. The same God who revealed the future to Daniel is in control of our tomorrows. We are encouraged to trust Him, knowing that He is faithful and will accomplish His purposes in our lives. [01:10:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Baptism Celebration
- [05:30] - Drawing Near to God
- [12:00] - Introduction to Daniel's Visions
- [20:00] - The First Beast: Babylon
- [25:00] - The Second Beast: Medo-Persia
- [30:00] - The Third Beast: Greece
- [35:00] - The Fourth Beast: Rome
- [40:00] - The Little Horn and Future Kingdoms
- [46:28] - The Ram and the Goat
- [50:00] - Antiochus Epiphanes
- [55:00] - God's Sovereignty in History
- [01:06:20] - Trusting God with Our Future
- [01:10:07] - Confidence in God's Plan
- [01:15:00] - New Members Welcome
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Daniel 7:1-28
- Daniel 8:1-27
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of baptism as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? [00:45]
2. In Daniel's visions, what do the four beasts represent, and how do they relate to historical empires? [12:00]
3. How did Daniel react to the visions he received, and what does this tell us about the nature of these revelations? [49:33]
4. What role did the prayer, care, and share ministry play in the lives of Ron and Rose, as mentioned in the sermon? [00:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the symbolism of baptism as an outward demonstration of an inward transformation challenge or affirm your understanding of faith? [00:45]
2. What can we learn from Daniel's response to his visions about dealing with uncertainty and the unknown in our own lives? [49:33]
3. How does the sermon suggest that participating in prayer events and retreats can deepen one's relationship with God? [05:30]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to trust in God's sovereignty over history and their personal lives? [01:06:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism or the baptisms you've witnessed. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you use that experience to encourage others in their faith? [00:45]
2. Daniel's visions were complex and troubling to him. How do you handle situations in your life that are difficult to understand or predict? What steps can you take to trust God more in these moments? [49:33]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of drawing near to God through prayer and retreats. What practical steps can you take this week to draw closer to God and experience His presence more profoundly? [05:30]
4. Consider the role of community in Ron and Rose's journey to faith. How can you actively participate in your church's prayer, care, and share ministry to support others in their faith journey? [00:45]
5. The sermon emphasizes God's control over history and our lives. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to trust God's plan. What can you do to surrender that area to Him this week? [01:06:20]
6. How does understanding God's sovereignty over historical events, as seen in Daniel's visions, influence your perspective on current world events and your personal future? [12:00]
7. The sermon encourages confidence in God's plan. What is one practical way you can remind yourself of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in your daily life? [01:10:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Symbol of Transformation
Baptism is a profound symbol of our identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward demonstration of an inward transformation, signifying our new life in Christ. As we witness baptisms, we are reminded of the power of prayer and community in leading others to faith. The baptism of Jonathan, Rose, and Ron serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the supportive role of a prayerful community. This act of faith is not just a personal declaration but a communal celebration of new beginnings and spiritual rebirth. [00:45]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Who in your life can you pray for and support as they explore their faith journey? How can you be a part of their spiritual transformation today?
Day 2: Experiencing God's Presence
Drawing near to God allows us to experience His presence in a real and transformative way. While our faith is based on the truths of Scripture, experiencing God deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith. Participating in prayer events and retreats can be life-changing, providing opportunities to encounter God in profound ways. These experiences remind us that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, inviting us to seek Him and find rest in His presence. [05:30]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to draw closer to God and experience His presence more deeply in your daily life?
Day 3: God's Sovereignty in History
The visions in Daniel 7 and 8 reveal God's sovereignty over history and His plan for the future. These visions, though complex, assure us that God is in control and that His kingdom will ultimately be established. As we study these prophecies, we gain confidence in God's ability to fulfill His promises. The depiction of empires rising and falling serves as a reminder that earthly powers are temporary, but God's kingdom is eternal. [12:00]
Daniel 7:14 (ESV): "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
Reflection: How does understanding God's sovereignty over history impact your view of current world events and your personal life challenges?
Day 4: Trusting God with Our Future
God knows the future and prepares us for what lies ahead. Just as He revealed future events to Daniel, He knows what is happening in our lives and has a plan for us. We are called to trust Him, even when we don't understand, knowing that He is working all things for our good. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on God's wisdom and timing, believing that He is orchestrating our lives for His glory and our ultimate benefit. [01:06:20]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Day 5: Confidence in God's Plan
Our confidence in God grows as we see His hand in history and in our lives. The same God who revealed the future to Daniel is in control of our tomorrows. We are encouraged to trust Him, knowing that He is faithful and will accomplish His purposes in our lives. This confidence is built on the foundation of God's past faithfulness and His unchanging nature, assuring us that He will continue to guide and sustain us. [01:10:07]
Psalm 33:11 (ESV): "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you saw God's faithfulness in your life. How can this memory strengthen your confidence in His plan for your future?
Quotes
"well good morning it is good to see each of you out this morning we have a wonderful privilege of a couple people being baptized baptized baptism is a wonderful picture that Jesus Christ has given us to show the death burial and resurrection of his son when somebody gets saved it's like they die they go under the water they're buried with Jesus Christ and then they raise up from the dead and newness of life with Jesus Christ and so that's the illustration of baptism that Jesus has given us and we have three people being baptized this morning that have been saved they've been transformed on the interior now they're showing a demonstration an illustration to everyone else that they identify with Jesus Christ" [00:04:46] (44 seconds)
"all right this is rose saunders ronnie and rose been coming to community baptist church for a while and recently they put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ to save them from their sin and it's been exciting getting to know them and watching them as they've trusted him as their savior and so I now baptize you my sister name of father son and holy ghost buried in the likeness of his death and raised in the likeness of his resurrection" [00:06:27] (28 seconds)
"that is so awesome I'm so excited for you I baptize you now my brother in the name of the father son and holy ghost your arm buried in the likeness of his death raised in the likeness of his resurrection amen god bless you brother god bless you isn't that awesome now Ron and Rose were both saved as a result of our prayer care share ministry of people praying for them and sharing Christ with them we saw them saved a family invite them over their home and it's been so exciting watching what God is doing in their life and how it is a privilege to see the death burial and resurrection played out right before our eyes the newness of life in people's hearts and so God bless Jonathan" [00:07:34] (43 seconds)
"And the reality of it is the Bible tells us you draw near to God and he draws near to you. And that's what we do with those three days away. We draw near to God and we experience God's presence in a very real way. You know, our faith is not experiential. We believe it in faith and facts of what the Bible says. But when you have the faith and you have the facts, you experience God in a very real way. And that is so profound and it's life changing." [00:26:45] (25 seconds)
"Father, we're so grateful for the promises that you give us. And we thank you that you, the God of heaven, will speak to us and make yourself known to us. And Lord, that is so amazing to me. And Lord, I thank you for it. And I thank you this morning that you've already met with us. And I pray, Father, that as we continue to sing, as we continue to worship, as we continue to pray, as we study your word, that, God, you will move in our midst and that we might know that we've met with you today. God, we need you. We need to hear from you. And we'll give you thanks for what you accomplish. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." [00:28:23] (36 seconds)
"Daniel finds himself in the middle of a courtroom where God, the ancient of days, is sitting on the throne in heaven and pronouncing judgment on the beast that was destroying everything. Then the heavens opened and Daniel saw Jesus Christ descending down from heaven to establish his kingdom for all of eternity. Could you imagine having a vision like that? Could you imagine what it was like seeing that? As you can imagine, if you were to experience that, Daniel was greatly disturbed." [00:43:44] (32 seconds)
"And then the being told what he saw in chapter 7, verse 15 says, I, Daniel, was grieved to my spirit in the midst of my body and the visions of my head troubled me. And I came near unto one of them that stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me it made known the interpretation of the things. And then down in verse 17, down through 27, the being, likely an angel, began to explain what these different beasts represented. And they represented the great kingdoms that were going to rule over Israel from the time of Daniel until Jesus Christ returns to set up his future kingdom." [00:43:56] (39 seconds)
"Daniel was trying to understand these beasts that were still to come. And it all made very little sense to him. And it bothered him greatly as he was trying to figure out it. It consumed his thoughts like it does for us sometimes as we read the book of Revelation and we read about all the things that happen and we go, what does this mean? What is God talking about here? What is this portraying? What is this symbolized? What is going to happen here? And it can bother us as we see all that is going to happen." [00:45:09] (30 seconds)
"God knew hundreds of years in advance what was happening and if he knew and he had a he told them about it that must mean that god has a plan about it god has a plan for the future that is happening therefore they knew they could trust god even if they didn't understand even if they didn't like what was happening to them they knew that god was in control and they were able to trust him see god knew what was it waiting awaiting israel and he was giving something to them to hold on to something for them to to help that something to help them through these difficult" [01:02:15] (37 seconds)
"God knows what's going on. God knows what you're going through. God knows the difficulties that you're facing, and he knows the ones that you're going to be going through. And he's given us everything that we need to be able to navigate these problems. We simply need to trust him in the word that he has given us. May our faith grow as we study through these divine prophecies." [01:06:20] (24 seconds)
"And the great thing, just as God prepared Israel for what was coming, God will prepare us for what is coming our way. God will speak to us through his word. He'll put us in situations and challenges to prepare us for what is coming to us, because God knows what is happening in our life. The question is, do we trust him with our tomorrow? No matter what comes, no matter what you're going through, do you trust God as if he's in control?" [01:07:46] (30 seconds)
"It's my hope as we read about amazing God, what he did, what he knows, what he was able to tell Daniel way in the future, hundreds of years in the future, what was going to happen, that we might grow in our confidence of God to know that that same God knows what's going to happen tomorrow in our lives. That same God knows what's going to happen 10 years from our life. God knows what's going to happen and he is in control. And knowing he knows, may we stand amazed about how awesome and how marvelous he is. And may we trust him knowing that he is in control of all things." [01:09:59] (37 seconds)
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