HS Overnight
February 10 - 11, 9:00 pm - 8:00 am
Message & Sermon Notes
Standing Strong in Babylon
Daniel 3:1-30
Pastor Jason Carslon
Daniel 3:1-30
In the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego we’re encouraged to:
- Stand out in a culture of compromise (v. 1-12)
The empire of Babylon could rightly be described as a culture of compromise…
1) A king that compromised the truth (v. 1-7)
Matthew 7:24-27
2) A people that compromised their convictions (v. 7)
Romans 12:2
3) A council that compromised others for self (v. 8-12)
Matthew 22:36-40
- Stand up in the courts of confusion (v. 13-18)
What gave these men the courage to stand up to Nebuchadnezzar’s threats?
1) They trusted God’s sovereignty
Philippians 1:21
2) They knew God’s word
Exodus 20:2-5a
3) They were committed to their convictions
4) They recalled God’s triumphs
- Stand firm in the crucible of crisis (v. 19-30)
“Beloved, you must go into the furnace if you would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus.” – Charles Spurgeon
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Hebrews 13:5
Romans 8:35, 37-39
Sermon Discussion Questions
Questions for reflection:
- In what ways can you relate to the test of faith experienced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
- What inspiration can you take from their example?
Questions for discussion:
- What similarities do you see in the compromise of Babylon to our culture today?
- When have you experienced pressure to compromise your faith? How did you respond?
- Why must we be resolved in our convictions before we face the moment of testing?
- When God doesn’t deliver us from dangers or trials, does that mean he’s abandoned us? Why or why not?
Sundays at Lakes Free
Welcome Visitors!
If you are visiting for the first time today, stop by the Next Steps counter to pick up a welcome gift from Lakes Free!
Worship Services: 9:00 & 10:40am (Livestream at 10:40am)
Sunday School & Adult Bible Fellowships (ABFs):
Nursery & Preschool Sunday School: 9:00 & 10:40am
Elementary Sunday School: 9:00am
Middle & High School Sunday Classes: 9:00am
Adult Bible Fellowships: 9:00 & 10:40am (more details here)
Lakes Café Open Sunday Mornings: Purchase a cup of coffee for $2 and 100% will be donated to support Lakes Free missionaries. Each month will feature a current Lakes Free Mission partner.
What is the Next Steps Area? You may be wondering what, exactly, is the corner with Next Steps written on the wall? It’s your 1-stop information place for any “next step” you have such as resources, registrations, questions or ways to get connected at Lakes Free.
Children’s Activity Packs: Activity packs for kids attending worship services are available at the main Worship Center door.
Announcements
2022 Giving Statements have been mailed: Watch your mail for your giving statement. Contact the office if you have not received it.
Coats & Winter Wear Needed for MEC Prison Ministry: We are currently collecting winter wear for inmates who are released during the winter months. Please put donations outside the Sharing Shop door in the Fellowship Hall by Sunday, Feb. 12.
Vocational Ministry Scholarships: Lakes Free provides scholarships for students going into full-time ministry. Must be a junior or senior in a Christian college or a student in seminary going into full-time Christian ministry. If interested, contact the church office. If you would like to contribute to the Vocational Scholarship Fund, you may do so at any time.
Colossians: An Experimental Preaching Series: Mondays, 6:30pm, in the Worship Center. Come help Pastor Stephen with his doctoral work and enjoy some time in God’s Word.
Kentucky Mission Trip Opportunity: Lakes Free will be partnering with Praying Pelican Missions who are actively engaged in longterm recovery efforts after devastating tornadoes. We are excited to offer this as a joint Student Ministries/Missions sponsored trip. Contact Chuck Stomberg with any questions. Register here.
Men’s Breakfast: Sat, Feb. 11, 8:00am in Fellowship Hall. We’re hosting a follow-up breakfast with our Men’s Advance speaker, Joe Smith. This will be an encouraging time together as we discuss holiness and living a pure lifestyle. All men (HS age+) are invited, even if you’re not currently struggling with purity. Joe Smith is the President of Broken Strength Men’s Purity Ministry. Cost: $5. Register here.
Family Ski Day: Sun, Feb. 19, 2:00-8:00pm. Get out and enjoy a beautiful winter day on some great slopes. All ages from Lakes Free welcome! Cost: $24 Lift ticket (per person); $24 Ski/snowboard rental (if needed). A free beginner lesson is included for anyone interested (age 7+) at 2:45pm. We will enjoy a pot luck dinner at 6:00pm. Register here.
Serve
God has gifted each of us with unique abilities, gifts, and passions that can be used to glorify Him and invest in others. We encourage everyone to use those gifts and passions to serve others here at Lakes Free. Let us help you discover the joy of serving!