InPerspective

A Party to Remember, Part 1

Daniel 5
A time of celebration can be ruined by party crashers and party poopers. With the army of the Medes and Persians closing in, King Belshazzar threw a party to lift the spirits of the Babylonians – but he didn't count on one remarkable party crasher and one noteworthy party pooper spoiling the festivities. Who were the party crasher and party pooper who truly made this a party to remember?

Spiritual Gifts and One Another

1 Corinthians 12
Many people feel rather ordinary, as though they are not gifted in any particular way. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he reminds us every Christian is truly gifted, because each of us is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and has been uniquely blessed with at least one spiritual gift.

The Conversion of a Pagan King, Part 2

Daniel 4
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" – a biblical maxim clearly illustrated in the life of Nebuchadnezzar. This prideful, arrogant, self-exalting king received a dream picturing him as a mighty tree that God was ready to cut down to size – and he was struck with madness that made him act like an animal. Only then did he repent of his pride and trust in the One True God.

The Conversion of a Pagan King, Part 1

Daniel 4
Even though King Nebuchadnezzar saw God powerfully work in the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – and even in his own life, through them – he remained intoxicated with regal power and pride over his lofty position and abundant possessions. How did God transform this pompous pagan ruler into a contrite convert to the One true and living God?

An Overview of Daniel 1-4, Part 2

Daniel 1-4
We admire the courageous faithfulness to God demonstrated by Daniel in the lion’s den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. But such bold, steadfast commitment to the Lord in the face of death did not suddenly materialize in their moment of crisis – we see it taking root many years before, when they were four young men in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.

An Overview of Daniel 1-4, Part 1

Daniel 1-4
Believers are not to retreat into the safety of our Christian fortresses, insulated and isolated from the world. But as we go into the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must guard against the world getting into us and conforming us to its standards and values. How can believers live by faith, and live the life of faith, in the midst of an unbelieving and even hostile world and culture?

Some Final Thoughts on the Fiery Furnace, Part 2

Daniel 3
The account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace reminds us that God's people often face the fiery trials of life. Sometimes the Lord will douse the fire and spare us from passing through it. But other times, He will allow us to enter into these fiery trials – and He will be right there with us, for He has promised that he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Encouraging One Another

Hebrews 10:19-25
The song "Home On the Range" describes a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word" – but we can frequently experience discouragement as we live in a fallen world. Join us again as Dr. Reeder examines the importance of encouraging and edifying one another in the body of Christ.

Some Final Thoughts on the Fiery Furnace, Part 1

Daniel 3
While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, the Israelites were already engaging in idolatry with a golden calf. In stark contrast, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar – even if it meant facing the king's wrath and a terrifying appointment with a fiery furnace.

A Festival to Remember...But If Not, Part 2B

Daniel 3
Daniel's three courageous friends faced a death sentence for refusing King Nebuchadnezzar's order to bow down to a golden image. But they boldly declared, “Be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." When the world pressures us to compromise our faith, we must respond with courageous commitment and boldness for the Lord.