February 4, 2017 - Church at Worship

Sermon: “Time to Face the Music" by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Doug Mace

Scripture Reading: Daniel 3:19-25, TNIV read by Todd Cochran, and Mary Beth Cochran

Children's Feature: Doug Mace

Baptism: TBD

Sermon Notes:

 According to Chicago Tribune reporter Lolly Bowean, Michael Mille, pastor of White Dove Fellowship Outreach Center, had a profound response to the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Many churches in New Orleans and the surrounding area were deeply affected by that storm. Pastor Mille’s church was scattered in many different directions afterwards. Following that experience, this pastor offered a passionate perspective on what it means to suffer as a Christian. He said, “We have successfully planted people all over the U.S.” Then he also noted, “We used to sing Jesus is all we need; . . . now He’s all we’ve got” (Lolly Bowean, “Ministers Look to Rebuild Lost Flocks,” Chicago Tribune [9-19-05]). 

Now He’s all we’ve got. Would that be enough for you when facing times of overwhelming trial? While they obviously did not know of Jesus, Daniel’s three friends had the same attitude in facing severe trial. When they faced the white-hot heat of both Nebuchadnezzar and Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace, they knew that they served a God of might and power. And they trusted themselves to that God. 

But what is most stirring is that they realized that things might not turn out as they might wish. So they told Nebuchadnezzar: “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. 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 3:17–18, NLT). 

But even if He doesn’t . . . That sounds a lot like . . . “now Jesus is all we’ve got.” Such is a place of mature faith—a place most of us admire but don’t want to experience. 

Should that time come, might we respond with such faith . . . . 

Randy Roberts, senior pastor