Open Window

by Pastor Wilson Yeo

Set Apart (Daniel 1)
Step Out (Daniel 2)
Bow Down (Daniel 3)
Two Kings (Daniel 4-5)

Daniel 6:1-10
Daniel 6:11-17
Daniel 6:23-28

Big Idea :
Discern what is worth fighting for and be bold even in the face of trials such as opposition or persecution

God's favor and presence over Daniel did not remove them from going through persecution opposition and trials and difficulties. Instead, His presence allow them to thrive through trials and persecutions

2 Timothy 3:12
In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

We can never be 100% prepared for the schemes of our enemy. We must rest secure in Jesus Christ knowing that no trials will come our way unless God allows it for a very good reason. And the reason is in James 1:2-4

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, that whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish it's work so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Trials have a way of bringing the best or worst out of us. Daniel prepare to lose his life but never his relationship with God.

What are the values and convictions that we will die for?
Mark 8:38
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will be ashamed of them when he comes in His father's glory with his holy angels.

# No man can change God's perfect will for you #

# Trials will reveal the true God or (god) in our lives #

Smith Wigglesworth
Great Faith is the product of Great Fights
Great Testimonies are the outcome of Great Tests
Great Triumphs can only come out of Great Trials

Two Kings

by Pastor Alvin Lim

Daniel 4 and 5

What is the root of all sin?
PRIDE

CS Lewis says
to deteck pride :
1. Acknowledge that you struggle with pride

2. If you hate proud people, it means you are also a proud person

Big Idea :
We want to discern the pride in our hearts and ascribe all glory to God and not self

a. Pride is a feeling or a deep satisfaction derived from one's own achievement

b. The belief that you are better and more important than others or (God). Pride is self idolatry

Proverbs 6:16
1 Peter 5:5

1. What are the symptoms of pride?
- no need for God (Daniel 4:4)

- when we are living in sin (Daniel 4:27a)

- neglecting the powerless (Daniel 4:27b) who are vulnerable & oppressed
Quatec : Poor, Orphan, Widows, Foreigners

- abuse of powers (Daniel 5:19)

- boasting about self (Daniel 4:30)

- presumptuous before God (Daniel 5:2)

- forgetting God's power (Daniel 5:22)


2. The consequence of pride?
Hard work
|
Success
|
Pride (forget God)
|
Divine disruptions happened so that we can be turned from self to God
|
Judgement (like layers of onion), eg. Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Paul
|
Repentance
|
Restoration


3. The cure for pride?
The Gospel (Daniel 4:34-37)

Jonathan Edwards
Christian who are but fellow-worm ought at least to treat one another with as much gentleness

CS Lewis
True humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less

Our Response :
1. How is the gospel humbling our hearts?

2. Are we living in sin?

3. Is there someone you need to treat with truth and grace?

Step Out

by Pastor Calvin Lee

Daniel 2:2-49

What does it mean by stepping out in faith?
1. Making oneself vulnerable
2. Stepping out of our comfort zone
3. Submit to the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit
4. Take a risk for God

examples :
share gospel with someone, embarking on a new business, embark on first mission trip, answering the call of God, resign from job for family, moving on to another place or job etc.

Is it easy to take steps of faith?
Most of us struggle with our courage and gut to step out in faith

What is the one big culprit that oftentimes stop us or hold us or hinder us from stepping out in faith?
- The answer is FEAR

Daniel stepped out in faith. As a result he experienced God's power

Big Idea :
Discern God's will to avail yourself to make a significant impact or difference

1. Daniel has an open heart (vs16-19)

2. Daniel walked with God, he seeks after God. He took time to spend in God's presence. He walks in tandem with the leading of the Holy Spirit in his life.
- Before we step out, first step into the presence of God. Oftentimes we are so quick to give an answer and we fail to seek the face of God. We need His wisdom and revelation especially in big decision in life.

3. Daniel walks by faith
- his life was at risk, he and his friends. That's where faith comes in.

Stepping out will always require a measure of faith

4. Daniel walks with people. He was not alone, he called his friends to pray with him.

Praying alone is good but there's added power in collective prayer

5. Daniel has an open hands (vs24)

God expect us to use what we have receive from Him and allow Him to use our gifts for his kingdom's cause and glory and to bless others.

What is in your hand means whatever is in your care and control

6. Daniel experienced an open heaven in his life (vs46-49)Mbr< - like David
- like Samson
- like the young boy with 5 loaves and 2 fishes

When you step out in faith to honor God. He will step in and do His work in our lives.