Daniel
This Sunday will be our last Sunday talking about our witness vow and members of the church. I have gotten lovely feedback from those of you who have enjoyed this series. I pray that we have all had some healing around the word “Evangelism.” Our witness in the world is so important when people are looking for safe and loving space to be their authentic selves. Proclaiming “perfection is unnecessary” is worthy of being said. As John Wesley would say, we are all striving towards perfection hoping that occasionally we get it right.
For the rest of September, we will be deep diving into the book of Daniel. I have been researching and studying this fascinating book. There is so many things that I would love to teach you but I only have 20 minutes each sermon. (I also realize that not everyone finds it as compelling as myself.) Since I became Sr Pastor at Faith, I have tried to teach you about one prophet each year. Last year we dove into Micah and learned a lot about that prophet and his concerns for the behavior of the rich. I started in 2022 with the book of Jonah and most people were surprised at what we uncovered there.
So here are a few things that I don’t have time to cover in my sermons but I find interesting enough to share with you.
Daniel is classified as apocalyptic literature like the Revelation of John. This means that it is about the “end of times” or “end of the world” by revealing secrets of the heavens.
Daniel was written in two different languages. Chapter 2:4b-7:28 in Aramaic and the rest written in Hebrew.
Daniel includes six stories about conquered people who are living in exile.
Daniel’s setting includes three empires and four visions.
I invite you to begin reading Daniel if you are interested in beginning this journey with me. It is so much more than the one story that we all learned in kid’s Sunday school about Daniel and the lion. And of course the veggie tale depiction of Shad, Rad and Benny!
If you would like to join us for lunch as a new guest or new member, please email me and I will order food for your family. We will gather for Faith Welcome in the Youth room at noon.
Much love,
