January 21, 2017 - Church at Worship

  This week we begin what I believe will be a very important journey—a journey into the book of the Old Testament prophet Daniel. This eleven-part sermon series, entitled Exile, will take us on a journey through the six stories and the four visions of Daniel. As I have delved into the stories and visions of this man of sterling character, I have been impressed not only by the timelessness of his appeal but also by the timeliness of his message. In fact, we would be hard pressed to find a more timely message for our day and time than that contained in this book. 

The truth is, there have been quite a number of occasions over the years when I have felt the pull of Daniel and have wanted to study it and preach on it. However, the visions have scared me off. There is so much there! And what is there creates so many questions and no small degree of uncertainty. But now, with a great deal of prayer and trust in God’s Spirit to guide us, we are going to venture down this road. I do not speak tritely when I say that I covet your prayers as we engage in this endeavor. 

The story of Daniel has been familiar to us since our childhoods. And yet, the depth that beckons to us from his book is profound enough to keep us coming back for more all of our lives long. 

Finally, Daniel was an exile (hence the title of our sermon series). He lived his adult life in the context of a culture that was hostile to both him and his faith. For followers of Jesus who increasingly feel the inhospitable nature of a decaying culture, Daniel speaks to us with power. 

Let’s listen. 

Randy Roberts, Senior Pastor