A Prayer of Confession

Daniel 9

(reading v 1-19)

1. Daniel’s earnest prayer, to our merciful God (v1-19)

• a prayer of confession, for not listening or obeying
• an appeal for mercy based on God’s Character and His plans

2. A rapid response to Daniel’s prayer! (v20-27)

• the short and the long answer
• hope and perseverance

3. Our own earnest prayer?

• a prayer of confession, for not listening or obeying
• an appeal for mercy based on God’s Character and His plans
• filled with hope and assurance that God hears our prayer and will help us persevere

Preacher: Steve Blencowe

It’s Only a Matter of Time

Daniel 7 (Reading v1-18)

1. Another troubling vision… (v1-18)

• four beastlykingdoms (v2-8)
• One sovereign judge (v9-12)
• And his ‘human‘ ruler (v13-14)

2. … and another interpretation (v15-28)

• the short explanation – God is in control, there’s light at the end of the tunnel (v17-18)
• the longer explanation – God is in control, there’s light at the end of a very dark tunnel (v23-27)

3. It’s only a matter of time…

• Jesus is the ‘one like a son of man’ (v13-14, 18, 27 compared with the gospels e.g. Mark 14:62)(
• Christians will reign with Jesus (v18, 27 compared with Psalm 8, Hebrews 2:5-10)
• in the meantime….

Preacher: Steve Blencowe

Trusting God in a Hostile World

Daniel 6

(reading 6:1-18)

1. Daniel counted the cost of living for God in a hostile world, just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (in ch 3). And their trust was rewarded.

2. Daniel chapter 6 tells a story of…

… competition, conspiracy, a command (vv1-9)

… the cost of uncompromising trust in God (vv10-18

… complete vindication (vv19-28)

3. Trust in God will be rewarded because God will always be vindicated and victorious

Preacher: Steve Blencowe

Don’t Learn the hard way

Daniel 4-5(reading 4:1-18)

1. Confessions of a ‘self-made-man’ (Daniel 4)

(key verses 4:29-32 and 34-35)

2. And the fall of his fool-hardy son (Daniel 5)

(key verses 5:20-23 especially v22)

3. Should Belshazzar have been given a second chance?

(Jeremiah 25:12-14, 27:1-7)

4. What should we learn from all this?

Preacher: Steve Blencowe

O King, live forever!?

Daniel chapter 2

(Bible Reading – Daniel 2:1-23)

1. The great king has a recurring & disturbing dream (v1­-13)

2. A dream which God mercifully reveals to Daniel (v14­-23)

3. A dream that puts all rulers in their place (v24­-45)

4. Nebuchadnezzar is relieved, but did he really understand the dream? (v46­49)

Preacher: Steve Blencowe

God Hasn’t Finished Yet
Daniel 1

1. It’s easy to give in when you’re a long way from home?

Deuteronomy 28:45-57 (cf 2 Kings & Lamentations)

2. But God has the whole world inhishands

– Daniel 1:1-2, 9, 17, 21

– Daniel 9:1-3 (compare Deuteronomy 30:1-3)

– Romans 9:1-9 & 11:1ff

3. So keep trusting – even when you feel far from home!

– 1 Peter 1:1, 13-17

ARE YOU SEEING JESUS CLEARLY?

Luke 9:28-56

1. After 14 weeks in Luke’s Gospel, are you seeing Jesus clearly?

2. The disciples show us that literally ‘seeing’ Jesus doesn’t guarantee that we truly see him.

3. A good place to start is to ‘listen to him’ (v.35)

Preacher: Steve Young

Following Jesus?

Luke 9:18-27

1. The way of the disciples?

2. The way of the Messiah

3. The way of us following Jesus?

Preacher: Rayk Platzek

Missing The Signs of Jesus’ Kingdom?

Luke 9:1-17

1. Why has Luke included this section in his Gospel?

i. Jesus commissions 12 to proclaim the kingdom (1-6)
ii. The only response Luke shares – is confused (7-9)
iii. And on their return the 12 appear no wiser (10-14)
iv. Jesus shows yet another sign of his kingdom (15-17)

2. What are we to make of this?

Preacher: Steve Blencowe

Signs of Jesus’Kingdom

Luke 8:22-56 (reading 22-39)

1. Jesus came preaching the Kingdom of God (8:1)

2. He does miracles along the way
..8:22-25 – restoring order in nature
..8:26-39 – restoring an exiled Gentile
..8:43-48 – restoring an excluded woman
..8:40-42, 49-56 – restoring life in a place of death

3. Jesus’ miracles give a taste of the Kingdom of God which he proclaims

4. Do you have ears to hear the message of the Kingdom of God? (8:8b)

Preacher: Steve Blencowe