Where can you find hope for the hopeless, 00:00:03.10\00:00:07.84 opportunity for transformation, 00:00:07.87\00:00:11.54 peace amid life's storms? 00:00:11.57\00:00:15.54 Only in God's free gift of eternal life. 00:00:15.58\00:00:20.52 From New York, join us on the Pathway of Hope. 00:00:20.55\00:00:24.69 Some time ago, 00:00:30.29\00:00:32.03 a Christian was caught reading his Bible 00:00:32.06\00:00:34.76 in a country where this was prohibited. 00:00:34.80\00:00:38.63 He was beaten and dragged into the street. 00:00:38.67\00:00:42.90 With guns pointed to his head, 00:00:42.94\00:00:45.41 he was asked to renounce his faith in God. 00:00:45.44\00:00:49.38 The Christian responded, 00:00:49.41\00:00:52.28 "Put your hands over my heart, 00:00:52.31\00:00:54.82 and if it is beating faster than normal, 00:00:54.85\00:00:57.75 then you know that I am afraid and God is not real to me. 00:00:57.79\00:01:02.79 But if it is beating normally 00:01:02.82\00:01:06.23 then you should know that I am not afraid 00:01:06.26\00:01:08.90 and God is real to me." 00:01:08.93\00:01:13.30 The three Hebrew boys 00:01:13.34\00:01:14.77 were faced with a similar test of faith. 00:01:14.80\00:01:18.11 They would either bow down to an image 00:01:18.14\00:01:21.14 or be thrown into a furnace. 00:01:21.18\00:01:23.95 Their decision, we're not afraid of the fire. 00:01:23.98\00:01:28.62 One of a writer says, 00:01:28.65\00:01:30.55 "If the cross of truth is to be carried to victory, 00:01:30.59\00:01:34.82 it will be by men and women who are not afraid." 00:01:34.86\00:01:40.20 Dr. Abraham Jules will now inspire us 00:01:40.23\00:01:43.63 with the message, 00:01:43.67\00:01:45.00 "Don't Be Afraid." 00:01:45.03\00:01:46.53 And can it be 00:02:05.99\00:02:10.09 That I should gain 00:02:10.13\00:02:14.96 An interest 00:02:15.00\00:02:17.93 In 00:02:17.97\00:02:19.30 The Savior's blood? 00:02:19.33\00:02:25.71 Died He for me 00:02:25.74\00:02:29.34 Who caused His pain? 00:02:29.38\00:02:34.08 For me 00:02:34.12\00:02:36.48 Who Him 00:02:36.52\00:02:38.92 To death pursued? 00:02:38.95\00:02:44.39 Amazing love! 00:02:44.43\00:02:47.86 How can it be 00:02:47.90\00:02:53.34 That Thou 00:02:53.37\00:02:55.60 My God 00:02:55.64\00:02:58.07 Shouldst die for me? 00:02:58.11\00:03:05.08 Amazing love! 00:03:05.11\00:03:10.25 How can it be 00:03:10.29\00:03:17.26 That Thou 00:03:17.29\00:03:19.06 My God Shouldst die 00:03:19.09\00:03:26.07 For me? 00:03:26.10\00:03:33.07 He left His Father's throne 00:03:37.11\00:03:43.12 Above 00:03:43.15\00:03:46.02 So free 00:03:46.05\00:03:47.89 So infinite 00:03:47.92\00:03:52.76 His grace 00:03:52.79\00:03:56.33 Emptied Himself 00:03:56.36\00:04:00.57 Of all but love 00:04:00.60\00:04:05.37 And bled 00:04:05.41\00:04:07.48 For 00:04:07.51\00:04:08.84 Adam's helpless race 00:04:08.88\00:04:15.55 'Tis mercy all 00:04:15.58\00:04:19.12 Immense and free 00:04:19.15\00:04:24.49 For, O my God 00:04:24.53\00:04:29.33 It found out me 00:04:29.36\00:04:36.34 No condemnation now 00:04:42.01\00:04:47.92 I dread Jesus 00:04:47.95\00:04:52.82 And all in Him 00:04:52.85\00:04:57.69 Is mine! 00:04:57.73\00:05:01.20 Alive in Him 00:05:01.23\00:05:04.73 My living Head 00:05:04.77\00:05:10.14 And clothed in righteousness 00:05:10.17\00:05:16.71 Divine 00:05:16.75\00:05:20.32 Bold I approach 00:05:20.35\00:05:23.95 the eternal throne 00:05:23.99\00:05:29.36 And claim the crown 00:05:29.39\00:05:34.10 Through Christ my own 00:05:34.13\00:05:38.97 Amazing love! 00:05:45.61\00:05:49.34 How can it be 00:05:49.38\00:05:54.12 That Thou, my God 00:05:57.05\00:06:01.32 Should die for me! 00:06:01.36\00:06:08.46 Amazing love! 00:06:12.47\00:06:17.61 Amazing love! 00:06:17.64\00:06:22.41 How can it be that Thou 00:06:29.35\00:06:35.79 My God, should die for me! 00:06:35.82\00:06:39.66 How can it be that Thou 00:06:47.10\00:06:50.81 My God, should die for me! 00:06:50.84\00:06:57.68 Amazing love! 00:06:59.71\00:07:05.75 Love! 00:07:05.79\00:07:09.19 Please bow your heads with me as we pray. 00:07:16.63\00:07:20.97 Father of love 00:07:21.00\00:07:22.34 who reigns in the heavens above. 00:07:22.37\00:07:26.27 We know that You're the one who sets up kings 00:07:26.31\00:07:28.71 and takes down kings. 00:07:28.74\00:07:32.25 We recognize 00:07:32.28\00:07:33.62 that You are ultimately in charge 00:07:33.65\00:07:35.48 of this universe, 00:07:35.52\00:07:37.92 and that Your will will be done 00:07:37.95\00:07:39.29 not only in heaven but on earth. 00:07:39.32\00:07:42.89 We tonight pray that as this word goes forth 00:07:42.92\00:07:45.43 that those who would listen and hear 00:07:45.46\00:07:48.63 would feel the impulse and impress of Your Spirit 00:07:48.66\00:07:51.90 to surrender to Your mighty lordship. 00:07:51.93\00:07:55.97 We pray for Your Holy Spirit's aid 00:07:56.00\00:07:57.67 and guidance. 00:07:57.71\00:08:00.04 We pray that Your will may be done 00:08:00.08\00:08:01.44 even now through the speech word, 00:08:01.48\00:08:04.21 in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, 00:08:04.25\00:08:07.62 amen. 00:08:07.65\00:08:09.98 This message this evening is entitled, Don't Be Afraid, 00:08:10.02\00:08:16.32 comes out of the Book of Daniel Chapter 3. 00:08:16.36\00:08:20.93 When we read the books of Daniel 00:08:20.96\00:08:23.73 and Revelation, 00:08:23.77\00:08:26.63 we are a little bit scared 00:08:26.67\00:08:28.17 and put off by the strange beasts, 00:08:28.20\00:08:30.21 the fearsome animals, 00:08:30.24\00:08:33.27 large numbers 00:08:33.31\00:08:34.64 and things that we don't readily recognize 00:08:34.68\00:08:38.31 or understand. 00:08:38.35\00:08:41.28 Now, these tend to decrease our desire 00:08:41.32\00:08:44.85 for the study of those books, 00:08:44.89\00:08:47.86 but we must not be afraid of them. 00:08:47.89\00:08:51.03 Indeed, there are two factors that are constant 00:08:51.06\00:08:55.60 in these works, 00:08:55.63\00:08:57.77 conflict and triumph. 00:08:57.80\00:09:00.87 Wherever you turn in the pages of these books, 00:09:00.90\00:09:03.71 you will find the great controversy 00:09:03.74\00:09:06.37 in full force. 00:09:06.41\00:09:09.14 The people of God are being offended 00:09:09.18\00:09:11.11 and attacked by Satan and his cohorts. 00:09:11.15\00:09:15.85 Sometimes the saints may appear to be beaten back 00:09:15.88\00:09:19.45 and knocked down, 00:09:19.49\00:09:20.82 but always they emerge triumphantly. 00:09:20.86\00:09:25.99 Today I bring you just such a message of triumph 00:09:26.03\00:09:29.70 in the face of apparent tragedy. 00:09:29.73\00:09:32.63 Let us focus our attention 00:09:32.67\00:09:34.00 on Daniel Chapter 2 first of all. 00:09:34.04\00:09:37.41 Let me first set the historical tone 00:09:37.44\00:09:40.44 of this passage 00:09:40.48\00:09:42.21 by briefly canvassing events of Chapter 2. 00:09:42.24\00:09:46.21 Scripture tells us that Nebuchadnezzar, 00:09:46.25\00:09:49.52 the king of Babylon, 00:09:49.55\00:09:51.22 he had a dream 00:09:51.25\00:09:52.95 which he was unable to remember, 00:09:52.99\00:09:54.59 let alone understand. 00:09:54.62\00:09:57.09 His wise men, sorcerers and magicians 00:09:57.13\00:10:00.53 weren't able to help him. 00:10:00.56\00:10:02.83 So in anger, he decided to decimate 00:10:02.86\00:10:04.90 and destroy them all. 00:10:04.93\00:10:07.07 But Daniel, an exile from Judah, 00:10:07.10\00:10:10.04 begged for time to intervene with God. 00:10:10.07\00:10:13.17 God heard Daniel's prayer, 00:10:13.21\00:10:15.64 and provided both the dream and the interpretation. 00:10:15.68\00:10:20.65 When both were revealed, 00:10:20.68\00:10:23.22 it was clear to him that the God of heaven 00:10:23.25\00:10:26.32 is indeed the sovereign God, 00:10:26.35\00:10:29.22 filled with conviction. 00:10:29.26\00:10:30.59 Scripture says, "In humility and awe, 00:10:30.63\00:10:34.50 he fell upon his face and worship, saying, 00:10:34.53\00:10:37.73 'Surely your God is a God of gods, 00:10:37.77\00:10:41.64 and the Lord of kings, 00:10:41.67\00:10:43.30 and a real villa of mysteries, 00:10:43.34\00:10:46.34 because you are able to reveal this mystery.'" 00:10:46.37\00:10:51.21 Nebuchadnezzar recognized 00:10:51.25\00:10:53.52 that in the play and counterplay 00:10:53.55\00:10:56.05 of human relations 00:10:56.08\00:10:57.69 and the rise and fall of empires 00:10:57.72\00:11:00.89 and the demise and growth of nations, 00:11:00.92\00:11:04.79 that these are not dependent on the will 00:11:04.83\00:11:07.66 or purpose of frail human beings. 00:11:07.70\00:11:10.53 He had an opportunity to see the curtain of history 00:11:10.57\00:11:13.64 being drawn aside 00:11:13.67\00:11:15.24 and to understand that above, behind 00:11:15.27\00:11:18.01 and through all of human interest, 00:11:18.04\00:11:20.24 and power, and passions 00:11:20.28\00:11:22.48 that the agencies of the all merciful 00:11:22.51\00:11:24.78 one silently, patiently 00:11:24.81\00:11:27.48 works out the councils of his own will. 00:11:27.52\00:11:31.45 So for a time, 00:11:31.49\00:11:33.72 Nebuchadnezzar was repentant and attempted 00:11:33.76\00:11:37.06 to follow the dictates of our conscience now 00:11:37.09\00:11:39.96 awakened by the Spirit of God. 00:11:40.00\00:11:42.83 But worldly ambition and a desire 00:11:42.86\00:11:45.33 for self exaltation filled his heart, 00:11:45.37\00:11:48.24 prosperity and pride 00:11:48.27\00:11:50.54 took him to the heights of hubris, 00:11:50.57\00:11:53.11 and in time, 00:11:53.14\00:11:54.48 he ceased honoring God and reverted 00:11:54.51\00:11:56.88 to the practice of idolatry, 00:11:56.91\00:11:59.15 surrounded by men of pompous sermon, 00:11:59.18\00:12:02.58 who flooded with evil and fraternize with idolatry. 00:12:02.62\00:12:06.25 Nebuchadnezzar was induced to attempt 00:12:06.29\00:12:08.62 to change the course of history. 00:12:08.66\00:12:11.23 Daniel too had indicated forcefully 00:12:11.26\00:12:14.66 that the kingdom of Babylon was only the head of gold. 00:12:14.70\00:12:19.73 In time this kingdom will pass away. 00:12:19.77\00:12:22.60 But Nebuchadnezzar purposed 00:12:22.64\00:12:24.51 that his kingdom should be everlasting. 00:12:24.54\00:12:27.88 Now we get to Chapter 3, 00:12:27.91\00:12:30.35 which points to Nebuchadnezzar's attempt 00:12:30.38\00:12:32.98 to carry out his intentions of eternity. 00:12:33.01\00:12:36.55 He arrogated to himself power and prowess 00:12:36.58\00:12:39.62 beyond the limits of human potential 00:12:39.65\00:12:42.89 and they built an image made entirely of gold, 00:12:42.92\00:12:47.96 standard only the head being fashion from gold. 00:12:48.00\00:12:51.83 He made the entire image of this precious metal 00:12:51.87\00:12:56.64 and by using this resplendent metal 00:12:56.67\00:12:59.01 throughout he was tacitly proclaiming 00:12:59.04\00:13:01.81 that his empire would last forever. 00:13:01.84\00:13:05.18 It was a beautiful and radiant statue, 00:13:05.21\00:13:08.15 some 90 feet high and 9 feet wide. 00:13:08.18\00:13:12.65 Though it was certainly spindly in appearance, 00:13:12.69\00:13:15.59 it conformed to the norms of statue building 00:13:15.62\00:13:18.53 in those days, 00:13:18.56\00:13:20.00 but it was beautiful and priceless. 00:13:20.03\00:13:23.40 Standing on the open plain of Dura, 00:13:23.43\00:13:26.60 representatives of Babylon's vast Babylonians, 00:13:26.63\00:13:30.04 Babylon's vast government came from the wide riches 00:13:30.07\00:13:33.81 of the then known world to worship before this idol. 00:13:33.84\00:13:37.68 This was not merely a dedication of the statue, 00:13:37.71\00:13:41.58 it was a show of loyalty to the Babylonian potentate, 00:13:41.62\00:13:45.35 and his decree for religious uniformity. 00:13:45.39\00:13:49.39 The effect of bowing down to this image 00:13:49.42\00:13:52.33 really points to religious allegiance. 00:13:52.36\00:13:55.80 Sacred history reveals that on the appointed day, 00:13:55.83\00:14:01.14 the orchestra play, 00:14:01.17\00:14:03.24 the vast sea of people fell down in unison, 00:14:03.27\00:14:06.78 and worshiped. 00:14:06.81\00:14:09.04 However, when the music sounded to the signal 00:14:09.08\00:14:15.12 that this act of obedience should take place, 00:14:15.15\00:14:19.15 we are told that three erect figures 00:14:19.19\00:14:22.02 stood out in the midst of that vast concourse. 00:14:22.06\00:14:26.43 They were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 00:14:26.46\00:14:30.53 Their allegiance was solely for God. 00:14:30.57\00:14:34.97 The narrative now unfolds itself 00:14:35.00\00:14:37.41 in the actions of these principal figures. 00:14:37.44\00:14:41.51 First, we see the deviousness of the courtiers. 00:14:41.54\00:14:45.65 In Chapter 2, 00:14:45.68\00:14:47.38 we discover that the wise men of Babylon 00:14:47.42\00:14:49.55 had failed to meet the king's request. 00:14:49.58\00:14:52.32 Daniel however, 00:14:52.35\00:14:53.82 following divine guidance had not failed the king. 00:14:53.86\00:14:57.73 Because of this, 00:14:57.76\00:14:59.09 the king promoted Daniel and upon his request, 00:14:59.13\00:15:02.16 the King also promoted Daniel's three companions. 00:15:02.20\00:15:06.43 Now the Babylonian wise men 00:15:06.47\00:15:07.97 had become jealous of the honors, 00:15:08.00\00:15:10.01 which had been bestowed upon the faithful Judeans. 00:15:10.04\00:15:14.28 As they noticed these three young men 00:15:14.31\00:15:16.61 standing erect, 00:15:16.64\00:15:17.98 they stroll to the king and deviously reported, 00:15:18.01\00:15:20.78 "O king! Live forever. 00:15:20.82\00:15:24.52 There are certain Jews whom you have sent 00:15:24.55\00:15:27.32 over the affairs of the province of Babylon, 00:15:27.36\00:15:30.89 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 00:15:30.93\00:15:34.53 These men, O king, have no regard for you. 00:15:34.56\00:15:37.87 They do not serve your God, 00:15:37.90\00:15:39.90 nor worship the golden image that you have set up. 00:15:39.93\00:15:44.34 That even reminded the king 00:15:44.37\00:15:46.51 that he had made an irrefutable decree 00:15:46.54\00:15:49.54 that was punishable by death. 00:15:49.58\00:15:53.08 In fact, 00:15:53.11\00:15:54.72 they were saying these three men 00:15:54.75\00:15:57.69 consider the king 00:15:57.72\00:15:59.05 as only a lightweight in the ring of champions. 00:15:59.09\00:16:02.49 This will arouse the king's sense of pride. 00:16:02.52\00:16:07.26 Make him feel like a PR. 00:16:07.30\00:16:10.07 There's someone disobey the monarch's edict surely, 00:16:10.10\00:16:14.54 and notice how devious they are. 00:16:14.57\00:16:16.30 In their denunciation, 00:16:16.34\00:16:17.81 they deliberately called them Jews 00:16:17.84\00:16:20.78 whom you have set over the affairs of Babylon. 00:16:20.81\00:16:24.88 They wanted the king to recognize 00:16:24.91\00:16:26.61 that these were not real subjects, 00:16:26.65\00:16:29.65 but in reality just scornful Jewish exiles. 00:16:29.68\00:16:33.22 It was a tested way of arousing the king's anger 00:16:33.25\00:16:36.59 because they were intimating 00:16:36.62\00:16:37.96 that the king had made a huge error. 00:16:37.99\00:16:40.80 He had invested in these men, made them attaches of state, 00:16:40.83\00:16:44.60 and now the king needed a show of loyalty 00:16:44.63\00:16:47.50 and they were definitely incalcitrant. 00:16:47.54\00:16:51.14 If the king ignored 00:16:51.17\00:16:53.14 this refusal of his fear to worship, 00:16:53.17\00:16:56.28 then a fiasco of anarchy would result. 00:16:56.31\00:17:01.32 Certainly, 00:17:01.35\00:17:03.35 a wise monarch would never allow this 00:17:03.39\00:17:05.39 to happen, 00:17:05.42\00:17:06.86 and especially not by non citizens. 00:17:06.89\00:17:11.49 This is a treachery of the highest order. 00:17:11.53\00:17:14.80 And it was carried out in broad daylight 00:17:14.83\00:17:18.43 and in open defiance. 00:17:18.47\00:17:20.60 They certainly could not be allowed 00:17:20.64\00:17:22.64 to advance one step. 00:17:22.67\00:17:25.01 Immediate and swift, 00:17:25.04\00:17:26.47 deadly intervention was the only way 00:17:26.51\00:17:29.94 for the monarch to protect his kingdom 00:17:29.98\00:17:31.81 and maintain his iron grip. 00:17:31.85\00:17:33.82 Hence, the remainder of the roaring furnaces nearby, 00:17:33.85\00:17:38.95 that deepness deviousness goes even further. 00:17:38.99\00:17:43.46 They knew that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego 00:17:43.49\00:17:46.83 were worshipers of the only true God, 00:17:46.86\00:17:49.13 yet they pushed their claim. 00:17:49.16\00:17:52.20 They said, "They do not serve your God 00:17:52.23\00:17:54.90 nor worship the golden image." 00:17:54.94\00:17:57.57 Making the king feels somewhat marginalized. 00:17:57.61\00:18:01.18 These wise men 00:18:01.21\00:18:03.14 rightly predicted that this statement 00:18:03.18\00:18:05.68 would lead the king 00:18:05.71\00:18:07.05 to make a rash and impetuous decision. 00:18:07.08\00:18:10.29 After all, his pre-eminence was being questioned, 00:18:10.32\00:18:13.19 people will start saying, 00:18:13.22\00:18:15.02 "Who is in control? 00:18:15.06\00:18:17.13 Perhaps the king is getting soft. 00:18:17.16\00:18:20.16 This could not be, it simply could not work." 00:18:20.20\00:18:24.90 Hebrews therefore were immediately summoned 00:18:24.93\00:18:27.97 to the presence of their great king. 00:18:28.00\00:18:30.91 The worship must have stopped, 00:18:30.94\00:18:32.87 as the king had to deal with this matter 00:18:32.91\00:18:34.91 with immediate urgency. 00:18:34.94\00:18:37.25 He pointed to the fiery furnace nearby 00:18:37.28\00:18:40.12 and demanded that allegiance be given to this image, 00:18:40.15\00:18:44.15 but these young men could do no such thing. 00:18:44.19\00:18:49.76 They knew that unflinching obedience 00:18:49.79\00:18:51.69 to the word and the will of God 00:18:51.73\00:18:53.90 was the only condition for good relationship with God. 00:18:53.93\00:18:58.73 They were prepared to die for God! 00:18:58.77\00:19:03.71 But the king briefly withheld his death decree, why? 00:19:03.74\00:19:09.48 Listen to the words of Ellen White. 00:19:09.51\00:19:10.91 She says, 00:19:10.95\00:19:12.58 "As the three Hebrews stood before the king, 00:19:12.61\00:19:17.05 he was convinced that they possessed something 00:19:17.09\00:19:20.86 that the other wise men of his kingdom did not have. 00:19:20.89\00:19:24.43 They had been faithful 00:19:24.46\00:19:26.33 in the performance of every duty. 00:19:26.36\00:19:28.23 He would give them another trial." 00:19:28.26\00:19:30.97 Prophets and Kings, page 507. 00:19:31.00\00:19:33.74 Now this is really psychological warfare. 00:19:33.77\00:19:37.64 If the king had immediately set forth 00:19:37.67\00:19:40.18 his command of execution, 00:19:40.21\00:19:42.21 then the young men 00:19:42.24\00:19:43.58 had nothing further to worry about. 00:19:43.61\00:19:46.98 But by giving them another opportunity 00:19:47.02\00:19:49.35 to show allegiance to his idol and to his form of worship, 00:19:49.38\00:19:53.46 he was making it easy to say no to God. 00:19:53.49\00:19:58.23 He was giving them the opportunity 00:19:58.26\00:20:00.96 to think of the possibility of distress and death. 00:20:01.00\00:20:05.13 The basic human developmental need 00:20:05.17\00:20:07.27 for self preservation was now stimulated. 00:20:07.30\00:20:11.17 Then to make matters worse, he added, 00:20:11.21\00:20:13.71 if you do not worship, 00:20:13.74\00:20:15.71 you shall be cast this same hour 00:20:15.74\00:20:19.85 into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 00:20:19.88\00:20:24.05 The king was calling for an immediate answer 00:20:24.09\00:20:28.12 with immediate consequences. 00:20:28.16\00:20:31.23 For the young men, 00:20:31.26\00:20:32.89 it was a double negative situation. 00:20:32.93\00:20:36.63 If they say yes to the king, they would dishonor God. 00:20:36.67\00:20:39.70 If they say yes to God, 00:20:39.73\00:20:41.07 and no to the king, they would die. 00:20:41.10\00:20:44.71 But the proud monarch went too far. 00:20:44.74\00:20:48.38 He cried out, 00:20:48.41\00:20:50.45 "Who is that God 00:20:50.48\00:20:52.95 that shall deliver you out of my hands." 00:20:52.98\00:20:56.48 It is in these words 00:20:56.52\00:20:57.92 that we note the defiance of the king. 00:20:57.95\00:21:00.89 Who is that God? 00:21:00.92\00:21:03.56 He had exalted himself above the throne of God. 00:21:03.59\00:21:09.36 Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar was not aware of world history. 00:21:09.40\00:21:13.77 You see, several centuries before his time, 00:21:13.80\00:21:16.91 the Egyptian potentate 00:21:16.94\00:21:18.57 had issued a similar declaration, 00:21:18.61\00:21:20.88 only to discover 00:21:20.91\00:21:22.24 that Yahweh God is the only God, 00:21:22.28\00:21:25.41 the one who made the heavens and the earth, 00:21:25.45\00:21:27.78 and who controls everything. 00:21:27.82\00:21:31.45 In a series of 10 stinging plagues, 00:21:34.46\00:21:37.66 God effectively decimated Egypt, 00:21:37.69\00:21:41.76 His possessions and wealth 00:21:41.80\00:21:44.13 and liberated His people from bondage. 00:21:44.17\00:21:47.70 Now, the same defiance 00:21:47.74\00:21:49.27 is found in this king's rhetoric. 00:21:49.30\00:21:52.67 Who is that God? 00:21:52.71\00:21:54.38 Who shall deliver you out of my hands? 00:21:54.41\00:21:59.51 Babylonian culture, 00:21:59.55\00:22:01.52 the monarch himself was considered as God. 00:22:01.55\00:22:04.95 Further this was no vain threat of Nebuchadnezzar 00:22:04.99\00:22:08.06 because he had ruled in unbroken fashion 00:22:08.09\00:22:11.09 for about 44 years. 00:22:11.13\00:22:13.56 This was just about two thirds of the 66 years 00:22:13.60\00:22:17.93 of Babylonian domination on the world scene. 00:22:17.97\00:22:21.54 As a despot, 00:22:21.57\00:22:22.94 Nebuchadnezzar was a tyrant 00:22:22.97\00:22:25.01 who had conquered many people and many lands. 00:22:25.04\00:22:28.24 He had diffused races throughout his vast kingdom. 00:22:28.28\00:22:31.85 He had ruled with power and authority. 00:22:31.88\00:22:34.78 So when he threatened death, it was nothing to take lightly. 00:22:34.82\00:22:41.16 Furnaces fueled by natural oil deposit 00:22:41.19\00:22:45.19 in the Babylonian desert, 00:22:45.23\00:22:47.46 modern day Iraq were ready 00:22:47.50\00:22:51.17 and roaring for the destruction of anyone 00:22:51.20\00:22:53.13 who dared to go against the king's order. 00:22:53.17\00:22:55.60 However, the king in his defiance 00:22:55.64\00:22:58.44 had not taken the Hebrew faith seriously. 00:22:58.47\00:23:02.04 It is their determination now that takes our attention. 00:23:02.08\00:23:06.31 These Hebrews have learned that disobedience to God 00:23:06.35\00:23:09.45 result in dishonor, disaster and death. 00:23:09.48\00:23:12.55 So in faith 00:23:12.59\00:23:13.92 that is determined to follow God 00:23:13.96\00:23:16.22 and not Nebuchadnezzar. 00:23:16.26\00:23:18.39 Is it not true 00:23:18.43\00:23:19.76 that it is better to serve God than men? 00:23:19.79\00:23:23.40 Listen to their reply 00:23:23.43\00:23:24.77 in the face of the king's defined word. 00:23:24.80\00:23:27.00 "O king! 00:23:27.04\00:23:29.27 We are not careful to answer you in this matter. 00:23:29.30\00:23:32.87 If it be so, 00:23:32.91\00:23:34.24 our God whom we serve is able to deliver us 00:23:34.28\00:23:39.11 from this burning fiery furnace 00:23:39.15\00:23:41.75 and He will deliver us out of your hand, 00:23:41.78\00:23:44.09 O king, but if not, be it known unto you, 00:23:44.12\00:23:48.22 O king, that we will not serve your god, 00:23:48.26\00:23:52.53 no worship your golden image, which you have set up. 00:23:52.56\00:23:57.53 Our God is able." 00:23:57.57\00:24:00.37 This is a tremendous lesson 00:24:03.64\00:24:08.38 for God's children. 00:24:08.41\00:24:11.01 Devious people and defiant leaders 00:24:11.05\00:24:13.08 will come against us. 00:24:13.11\00:24:16.28 But in such times and on such occasions, 00:24:16.32\00:24:21.72 we must face them with determined faith. 00:24:21.76\00:24:27.36 The time is coming, 00:24:27.40\00:24:29.83 when we will be induced to make compromises 00:24:29.86\00:24:32.57 in terms of worship. 00:24:32.60\00:24:35.20 Human beings will desecrate the Sabbath 00:24:35.24\00:24:37.47 and inflict wounds on those 00:24:37.51\00:24:39.94 who refuse their forward movement. 00:24:39.97\00:24:43.81 To be certain those who are loyal to God, 00:24:43.85\00:24:48.45 we can expect imprisonment, exile, distress and death. 00:24:48.48\00:24:53.22 In the midst of all of these, 00:24:53.25\00:24:55.89 understand that our God is dependable. 00:24:55.92\00:25:00.23 He will walk with us 00:25:00.26\00:25:02.53 just as He walked with those Hebrews 00:25:02.56\00:25:05.60 in the fiery furnace. 00:25:05.63\00:25:08.07 His presence will comfort and it will sustain us. 00:25:08.10\00:25:12.91 He can stand unmoved because of His power. 00:25:12.94\00:25:16.88 Listen again to the words of the prophet. 00:25:16.91\00:25:20.12 She says, "Satan with all of the hosts of evil 00:25:20.15\00:25:23.25 cannot destroy the weakest of God's saints. 00:25:23.28\00:25:26.99 For angels that excel in strength will protect them. 00:25:27.02\00:25:31.43 And in their behalf, 00:25:31.46\00:25:32.79 Jehovah will reveal Himself as a God of gods, 00:25:32.83\00:25:36.70 able to save to the uttermost 00:25:36.73\00:25:38.17 those who have put their trust in Him." 00:25:38.20\00:25:41.17 God is able to take apparent defeat 00:25:41.20\00:25:44.44 and turn it into a resounding victory. 00:25:44.47\00:25:47.38 Not even prison walls nor martyr's stake 00:25:47.41\00:25:50.55 will be able to swerve us 00:25:50.58\00:25:53.85 from the purpose of worshiping only God. 00:25:53.88\00:25:58.09 I know tonight that somebody is been convinced 00:25:58.12\00:26:02.86 that there is a power in this world 00:26:02.89\00:26:06.70 that cannot be rivaled and cannot be matched. 00:26:06.73\00:26:10.33 God has all power. 00:26:10.37\00:26:12.87 Do you want to yoke up with God's power tonight? 00:26:12.90\00:26:16.37 Do you sometimes feel weak and discouraged? 00:26:16.40\00:26:18.97 And you need a little power for living? 00:26:19.01\00:26:21.28 God says, I will give it to you. 00:26:21.31\00:26:24.81 You will not only be a conqueror, 00:26:24.85\00:26:27.32 but you'll be much more than that! 00:26:27.35\00:26:32.82 Tonight, would you bow your heads with me 00:26:32.85\00:26:35.26 as we surrender and commit our hearts 00:26:35.29\00:26:37.83 and lives to God tonight anew. 00:26:37.86\00:26:40.90 Father, in the name of Jesus, 00:26:40.93\00:26:45.33 grant to Your people some of that power 00:26:45.37\00:26:48.60 we talked about tonight. 00:26:48.64\00:26:51.34 Bless us abundantly and, please Lord, 00:26:51.37\00:26:53.31 bless us eternally we pray 00:26:53.34\00:26:55.78 in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior 00:26:55.81\00:26:58.61 that the people of God say amen. 00:26:58.65\00:27:02.32 Thanks for watching Pathway of Hope. 00:27:02.35\00:27:05.39 If you would like to be prayed for 00:27:05.42\00:27:07.69 or would like to learn more about God's word, 00:27:07.72\00:27:10.86 please call 1 (877) 520-HOPE 00:27:10.89\00:27:16.90 or 1 (877) 520 4673. 00:27:16.93\00:27:24.44 You may also watch more of our programs online 00:27:24.47\00:27:27.51 at www.pathwayofhope.TV. 00:27:27.54\00:27:34.48 If you would like to make a tax deductable love gift, 00:27:34.52\00:27:38.29 please send your gifts to Pathway of Hope 00:27:38.32\00:27:41.76 at P.O. 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