Podcast appearances and mentions of Paul R House

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Lamentations 3. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 50. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 39. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 33:14–26. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 31:31– 40. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 30. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 29:1–14. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 26. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 23:1–8. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 17:1–13. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 15:10–21. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 10:1–16. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 7:1–8:3. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 3:6– 4:4. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 1. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Lamentations 3. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 50. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 39. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 33:14–26. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 31:31– 40. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 30. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 29:1–14. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 26. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 23:1–8. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 17:1–13. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 15:10–21. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 10:1–16. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 7:1–8:3. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 3:6– 4:4. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation.  Today's Bible reading is Jeremiah 1. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Paul R. House. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook   Twitter

Pastor Daniel Simmons – Daniel 2:1-30 Worship the Revealer of Mysteries Daniel 2:1-30 Exegetical Main Point: Yahweh reveals Nebuchadnezzar’s dream through Daniel, showing that the wisdom of Babylon is futile, while true wisdom comes from him. Main Point of the Sermon: The world’s wisdom will fail you, but the true Source of wisdom is worthy of your trust and worship. Introduction It seems like almost daily as I read the Bible that I am reminded of ways that my thinking is more aligned with the world than with God. There is an allure to the counterfeit kingdom of the world. We’re drawn to what seems reasonable and right about the world’s ways and message. Yet every counterfeit message is an attempt to remove God from his throne. The story of the Bible is the story of that God revealing himself to a world straying from him and worshipping false gods in every form. The book of Daniel is one such account in history where God shows not only his people, but all the peoples of the world, that He cannot be replaced. So, we need this book today though it was written thousands of years ago. We’ll see that the world’s wisdom fails, but the true Source of wisdom is worthy of your trust and worship. GOD: Context We learned last week in chapter 1 that God is sovereign over all things. God gave… God gave Israel over to judgment. Even so, God gave his people favor and compassion, especially through a few young exiles. God gave Daniel and his comrades wisdom beyond the best of the best in the kingdom. These men were faithful. They were in Babylon but not of Babylon. Chapter 1 sets us up for this next chapter as we watch these highly favored and high ranking officials in a hostile kingdom keep worshipping and trusting the true God. Text: The Failure of Pagan Religion 2 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his spirit was troubled, and his sleep left him. This event happened in the second year of the King’s reign, which may mean this happened while Daniel and his teenage friends were still training. This is actually an important Bible study tip. A lot of times we assume that one story always leads to the next linearly, but that’s not always true. This narrative seems to go backward. The King had dreams that left the most powerful man in the world quivering in his pajamas. Dreams and visions are found throughout the Bible and are common in this book. We find in Scripture that God often speaks to people through dreams – sometimes about something he’s doing or will do in the future, sometimes as a warning, or sometimes to encourage them. He seems to use dreams to show what is real and true in the world and things we couldn’t know without him showing us. The same is true today. God is still using dreams and visions to speak to people, like the many Muslims around the world who report having visions of a man in white named Jesus, calling them to follow him. In addition to God speaking through dreams, we see people in the Bible and in history sometimes tormented by Satan through dreams and visions (Job 4:12-16). …And sometimes your dreams are simply influenced by the pizza you ate. Dreams are not authoritative words from God like Scripture is, but they can be one way God communicates with us. If God leaves an unusually strong impression on you that the dream is from him, consider and pray about what he might be saying. God was, in fact, speaking to the proud mind of King Nebuchadnezzar in dreams and he was terrified of what it meant for him. History shows that he was faced with the constant threat of surrounding forces who threatened his kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar likely knew that this dream was about him and his kingdom, and it made him paranoid. Fear, Helplessness, and Brutality But fear is not all that these opening verses show us about Nebuchadnezzar and the Kingdom of Babylon. We see also the helplessness of the wise men and the brutality of the kingdom. Like the Wizard of Oz, behind the power, glitz, and glamour of great Babylon, was truly a puny and powerless kingdom trying to compensate with all the force it could muster. Verse 2: 2 Then the king commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned to tell the king his dreams. It’s helpful to see the roles of these groups of people because it gives you a glimpse of the philosophy Daniel and the Israelites were steeped in. One Daniel scholar helpfully identified these groups: “[Magicians] signifies Egyptian wise men able to interpret dreams (Lucas 2002:69); [enchanters] refers to individuals able to discern illness and to suggest a cure or perform an exorcism (Lucas 2002:69); [sorcerers] may indicate persons able to cast spells against an enemy (Yamauchi and Wilson 2016:206–207); and [the Chaldeans] represents the ancient leadership group of wise men in Babylon.”[1] The king had the most educated and powerful pagan religious team at his disposal, someone who specialized in any problem he and his kingdom might face. These were the finest of Babylon representing the Chaldean gods who made their living dealing with the supernatural unseen world. As I mentioned before, Satan has set up counterfeits to God and his Kingdom. In place of the true God has been set up false gods and idols, in the place of God’s prophets, he set up false prophets, in the place of the signs and wonders performed by the Holy Spirit, he has performed false signs and wonders. In place of gifts of the Holy Spirit given to God’s people, Satan has empowered people in submission to his kingdom with powerful gifts. And that is exactly what these men were. They were counterfeits who had behind them the power of Satan and his fellow fallen angels. So don’t be alarmed if you hear stories or see power on display in the world. These vocations are unusual in our day, except for perhaps behind some closed doors, but they are still commonplace in other parts of the world. (We believe at All Peoples Church that God still works in supernatural ways, but signs are not and will never be the focus of our ministry because their purpose has always been, to point you to the King who has the Kingdom’s power, Jesus!) So they came in and stood before the king. 3 And the king said to them, “I had a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.” 4 Then the Chaldeans said to the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.” And with all respect they respond as they would always respond. Tell us the dream and we will show you the interpretation. Verse 5: 5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “The word from me is firm: if you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins. 6 But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. Therefore show me the dream and its interpretation.” Unexpectedly, the king requests not only the interpretation but also the dream itself, and reminds them that the stakes are high. Either they are chopped to pieces or they honored greatly. You can almost hear the trepidation in their second response. Verse 7. 7 They answered a second time and said, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show its interpretation.” 8 The king answered and said, “I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see that the word from me is firm— 9 if you do not make the dream known to me, there is but one sentence for you. You have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the times change. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me its interpretation.” Nebuchadnezzar is speaking the truth. He knows that they are trying to buy time and considers that one of two things is happening. Either his wise men have no power at all to discern true mysteries, or they are conniving against him because they know something he doesn’t. This phrase “till the times change” denote the transfer of power or his demise. This dream was too real and threatening for him to allow for some tailor made answer or potion.[2] Verse 10: 10 The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who can meet the king’s demand, for no great and powerful king has asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or Chaldean. 11 The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” In their response we find a second characteristic of this counterfeit kingdom, helplessness. They are confident in their magic until the unspeakable is asked of them. No one in their history books had such a request made to them and they answer correctly, exposing their true weakness. There is not a man on earth who can do this…only the gods. Even the enchanters know their limits. They confess and understand how their own man-made religion fails. They need a word from outside, from the gods. Though these men spoke from their pagan perspective, they speak a true theological point. There is wisdom and knowledge that only God contains. The same truth applies today. You may have all the money in the world and all of the brightest at your disposal, but every man knows there are limits to what we can know and do. All the money, medicine, and masters degrees in the world cannot ultimately spell out our futures or keep anyone from death. God possesses knowledge that men can’t attain. Mankind can do great things, but without God there is a helplessness, a futility to all our efforts. The Chaldeans felt it. Pagan religion fails. Worldly wisdom fails. Verse 12: 12 Because of this the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed. 13 So the decree went out, and the wise men were about to be killed; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them. Because of their failure, the king was furious, and saw the wise men as worthless. So he commanded that all of them would be killed, which included Daniel and his friends. And here we see a third characteristic of Babylon. Behind the curtain of the pompous kingdom is brutality in a narcissist king ready to slaughter anyone who threatens his power or slows him down. I’m reminded, then, of how silly it is for me to lack boldness for Christ in this modern day Babylon. Often times I lack boldness because I fear people. But the reality is, even when you think you are safe, fitting into the world so well, you really aren’t. Wouldn’t you rather suffer, then, for a little while for being faithful and gain eternal life, thanpotentially be comfortable for a few years and then face God’s wrath, which is a far more lasting judgment. Daniel seemed to understand this well and his bold answer shows it. Verse 14: 14 Then Daniel replied with prudence and discretion to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon. 15 He declared to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree of the king so urgent?” Then Arioch made the matter known to Daniel. 16 And Daniel went in and requested the king to appoint him a time, that he might show the interpretation to the king. Daniel didn’t panic like the others, but we are told, replied “prudently” and with “discretion”. Fear doesn’t seem to grip Daniel in the way it did the others. Young bold Daniel not only went to his executioner to question him, he asked the king himself to give him a chance to show the king the interpretation to the king. Something gave Daniel confidence to make such a request. Let’s see what it is in verse 17. 17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the matter known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 and told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his companions might not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Daniel believed God would come through, enough that he put his neck on the line for all the wise men. This is faith. Daniel put his trust not in his learning, his own power, or any other thing but the mercy of God, and he came with a wise plan to interpret the dream. What was the plan? A prayer meeting with some friends. Wait, Daniel, your life and the lives of countless others were on the line and you called a prayer meeting!? Wait, church, the lives of countless souls are on the line today in Minneapolis, and you’re gathering with others to pray for more laborers, for wisdom, for direction from God for the mission? Yes! That’s exactly what we’re doing in our MC’s and DNA’s and here on Sundays and must do all the more. Faithful living in Babylon cannot be done without prayer. Prayer is our connection to the General in the midst of the war. Why do we think we can win the war disconnected from the command center? Without it we are just as helpless as the nervous wise men before the king. Secondly, faithful living in Babylon is deadly without community. Daniel was not a man in isolation. He had a group of friends who knew him and the struggles he faced. So, Daniel did what he probably always did, he brought the crisis before his friends so that they would seek God with him. What do you do when crisis hits? This is why we have Missional Community and DNA groups so that when hard things come you do what you always do and pray with people who love and support you. Verse 19 simply says, 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night. I love the simplicity of this sentence. They prayed… and, you know, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision in the night. No big whoop. God answers prayer. He does! He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. When his people come to him in dependence, he meets them with help. Not because we multiply our words, or because of our tears, or because of any other sort of séance or religious show, but simply because he loves us. He loves when we ask him. He is tender and compassionate like a Father to his children. This is our God! Worship the God who reveals mysteries Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. In response to God’s intervention Daniel did what all of us should be doing right now, he worshipped. Instead of neatly continuing in the story where it picks up in 24, the author pauses to record Daniel’s praises in verses 20-23. This story is beckoning us to praise Daniel’s God exclusively. “Blessing” or “praising” God is nothing more than declaring what is true about him. It is taking the time to delight in his many praiseworthy attributes. It is giving God credit and thanksgiving for who he is and what he has done. That’s what Daniel does. 20 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. Who he is: The name of God refers to his character revealed. His name sums up what he is like. To God belongs “wisdom and might.” In other words, he defines wisdom; he defines power. Fittingly wisdom is mentioned next to power, showing that God not only has all wisdom, but has power to enact what he knows and wills. What he has done: Wisely and powerfully… 21 [God] changes times and seasons; God is sovereign, or in control over time and seasons. In the same way that he is sovereign over seasons he wisely and powerfully …removes kings and sets up kings; God is sovereign over all those who are in control; he places whom he will in office and removes whom he will when he wills. Some seasons cause us to worry. God why are you letting your church face such persecution? Why did she have to die? Why are you letting our political system move in this direction? Why am I still single? Why don’t I have a job yet? Daniel probably felt this tension. But these truths about God remind us of his goodness and wisdom in ALL that we are currently experiencing, in both the big things and the more mundane. His plans are purposeful and wise. There is no power or wisdom greater who can thwart his plans for you or for his people. This is why we worship this God exclusively. Further, Daniel praises because [God] gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; 22 he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. 23 To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, Daniel closes his prayer of praise by addressing the God of his fathers, that is, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because God has always been faithful to his people through the generations. The same is true for you today in whatever you face. for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king’s matter.” Notice how Daniel’s prayer turns from third person pronouns to personal intimate prayer to God, “you have given me” Daniel knows this God personally and God knows him. Finally, Daniel recognizes that the wisdom and might that he has is all grace! It’s all from God! Man! I want to praise God like that when he answers prayer. We are brought back to the story in verse 24: Paraphrase? 24 Therefore Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; bring me in before the king, and I will show the king the interpretation.” 25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste and said thus to him: “I have found among the exiles from Judah a man who will make known to the king the interpretation.” 26 The king declared to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king and said, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers [or star-readers - This is Daniel’s addition to the Chaldean’s list] can show to the king the mystery that the king has asked, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Arioch comes in the spirit of Babylon and boasts “I have found a man…” who can make know your dream. But Daniel comes humbly and answers the king, no man, not even I, can show you this mystery. BUT there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries… (!) Boom. Can you imagine the suspense and silence while everyone waited for Daniel’s response. And in front of the peoples of the earth, he confesses, not me, but my God is able. Your dream and the visions of your head as you lay in bed are these: 29 To you, O king, as you lay in bed came thoughts of what would be after this, and he who reveals mysteries made known to you what is to be.30 But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. Daniel again gives glory to Yahweh! This reiteration is like a constant song, saying, “Worship the true Revealer of mysteries, the God of heaven!” The main call of this text is that we would worship and trust the true God and Lord of the universe. YOU Worship and trust this God I want to call you to worship and trust this God. Worship: Babylon’s wisdom, the world’s wisdom, can be extremely attractive. It can seem wise. The message of tolerance, the message of comfort and pleasure-seeking, of money, sex, power, is extremely alluring. The king turning to these wise men represents listening to the world’s interpretation of reality. Daniel, on the other hand, sought God for reality and truth. What’s an area of your life that you are tempted to live more according to the Spirit and message of Babylon than God’s? Who has your ear? It’s not wrong to learn from the world, but it is wrong if someone or something has a stronger voice, a more important place in your heart, than God. And I need you to know that the world is vying for your attention and worship. But Scripture shows that it all comes up short. Every pagan religion. Every worldly philosophy. No university or guru, politician or philosopher is truly wise unless they know the God who knows the future and has power to fulfill what he has planned. The book of Daniel shows us clearly who rules and reigns over all. Over and over Daniel will put himself in the face of danger against all worldly wisdom because he trusts in God. Maybe that’s scary for you as I’m sure it was for him. Trusting God doesn’t mean that you’ll always be sure of yourself or see clearly as you take the next step. No, but it means you are sure of your God because he knows the future. One Daniel scholar helped me here, he writes, “You can walk into the future with a God like that—who shows you that history is going toward his unshakable kingdom and who assures you that even though you have many personal uncertainties you follow a God who knows what is in the darkness. So you can keep going with hope and without fear.” (Message of Daniel) How could we possibly be bound by fear in anything we do with a God like this. Step out in faith this year and watch your God work as you stand faithfully in this kingdom of Babylon. Do you know Daniel’s God? I said at the beginning that this book is a story of God who reveals himself to a straying mankind. The climax of that story is that this unseen God, who is the revealer of mysteries, revealed himself by taking on human flesh in his Son, Jesus. He came so that you could know him today and find hope in him. He came for sinners who rejected him and replaced him with man-made gods and man-made wisdom, and he died in our place. He was torn from limb to limb so that you, like the Babylonian wise men, would have to be, his blood would shed so yours wouldn’t have to be. God is not a narcissistic monarch who clings to power and destroys those who won’t serve him how he likes, but One who gave his only Son that we might know him and reign with him forever. Jesus is the wisdom and power of God (1 Cor. 1:24). All the fullness of God is found in him (Col 2:8-10). If you want to know God, follow Jesus! Turn from your sin and follow him. Next week Ross will unpack the interpretation of the dream, and see how all things are culminating in Jesus and the spread of his kingdom on earth. WE Church, like Daniel, we have a message to proclaim to the world. The world doesn’t know where history is headed. It is clouded in darkness and the chance of it all leads many to desperation. But we’ve been placed in a specific place and time to make known God’s mystery to the world. We can be bold like Daniel because King Jesus has already died in our place and risen again, and even if we die, we will live with him. [1] Paul R. House, Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary, ed. David G. Firth, vol. 23, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2018), 59–69. [2] Ibd.

Study Notes Ed Underwood Worship: The Exclusive Responsibility of God’s People!   “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). The fourth major unit within the seventeen Historical Books is referred to as the Divided Kingdom Period. The Books of Kings record the reigns of kings of Israel and Judah following David. The United Kingdom of Israel reached the zenith of its power and influence early in Solomon’s 40-year reign (1 Kings 1-11). It began to decline because of Solomon’s divided heart for God. The books of Kings cover the 431 years of Israel’s history from Solomon’s coronation (973 B.C.) to Jehoiachin’s release from Babylonian exile (561 B.C.). The focus is on the 387 years from Solomon’s coronation to the destruction of the temple in 586 B.C. It begins with the Temple being built and ends with the Temple burnt. I believe it was written primarily by the prophet Jeremiah and finished by Ezra or Ezekiel with some final editing by unknown editors. It was written to the remaining kingdom of Judah before and after its Babylonian exile. It is at once an explanation for the Babylonian captivity and a warning to learn the lessons of history. “...1, 2 Kings present Israel’s history as a series of events that describe how and why the nation fell from the heights of national prosperity to the depths of conquest and exile. More specifically, [these books] explain how and why Israel lost the land it fought so hard to win in Joshua and worked so hard to organize in Judges, and 1, 2 Samuel.” (Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings, pp 15, 28) 2 Chronicles provides the divine commentary on the Divided Kingdom era. Written to the remnant returning to the Promise Land from Babylonia under Ezra and Nehemiah before 500 B.C., the Chronicler (Ezra, Nehemiah or a contemporary) focuses on God’s faithfulness to His promises to Israel in electing and preserving His people (Judah) and His kingly line (David’s descendants). This selective and theological history is designed “to rally the returned remnant to hopeful temple worship...by demonstrating their link with the enduring Davidic promise.” (Jeffrey Townsend, “The Purpose of 1 and 2 Chronicles,” Bibliotheca Sacra 145:575 (July-September 1987): 99-126. Though the Second Temple would never measure up to Solomon’s, they were still God’s people. The Davidic line, Temple worship, and the priesthood were still theirs. The Chronicler reminds the returning remnant of their place in God’s plan to redeem Creation and begins to thrust their thoughts toward a coming King: 1 and 2 Chronicles cover a broader period of history than any other Old Testament book. 2 Chronicles gives a priestly perspective on the history of God’s people from Solomon’s reign through Cyrus’s edict to rebuild the Temple more than 400 years later. The emphasis on the Temple exhorts them to reestablish worship as guided by the Mosaic Law. I. SOLOMON’S GLORY: Israel’s golden age of peace, prosperity and Temple worship. David’s dream to build a majestic Temple for Israel’s worship becomes Solomon’s reality. However, in the midst of rejoicing there is a stern warning—this type of worship flows from hearts loyal to God. If the nation fails to remain true to God, He will uproot them from their homeland and destroy this magnificent place of worship. Six of these first nine chapters center on the construction and dedication of the Temple. (1-9) Messiah: The Temple was designed to point God’s people to Christ, but most missed the point! Jesus tried to tell them that He was greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6). He claimed to be the One who replaces the Temple. The glory of God that used to reside in the Temple now resides in the person of Jesus Christ, God’s only Son (John 1:14). 2 Chronicles: Worship is a lifestyle, not an event!   II. JUDAH’S DECLINE: Israel’s glory declines as true worship of her God declines. Solomon’s death quickly divides the nation and both kingdoms eventually choose to worship other gods. Sinful lifestyles in the palaces and neighborhoods of Israel and Judah cause the nation to forsake pure Temple worship. A few of Judah’s kings bring revival, but it never lasts more than one generation. (10-36) 30% DEDICATION TO TWELVE EVIL KINGS: Chronicles virtually ignores the northern twelve tribes and barely mentions the evil kings of Judah. The emphasis is on Judah as God’s sovereign choice to glorify Him through Temple worship. This never happens in the northern kingdom and ceases during the reign of the idolatrous kings of the south. 70% DEDICATED TO EIGHT RIGHTEOUS KINGS: The Chronicler offers a detailed account of the deep spiritual commitment, courage and integrity of the rulers who walked in the ways of David. Five of these kings—Jehosaphat, Joash, Hezekiah, and Josiah bring revival and restore Temple worship. THE HOPE OF WORSHIP: 2 Chronicles concludes with hope. The Persian King Cyrus decrees that the Jerusalem Temple will be rebuilt. III. 2 Chronicles and You: 2 Chronicles is a fascinating study of God’s perspective on history. The events of the Divided Kingdom era seem secondary to God’s primary concern—authentic worship of Him in this world. In the key New Testament passage on worship Paul teaches us that true worshipers of Christ give their lives to God in response to His mercies (Romans 12:1-2). PauldevoteselevenchapterstocarefullydetailinghowtherighteousnessofGodisdemonstrated in His mercies to believers. Worshipers should never be ashamed of the delivering power of the Gospel that reveals the righteousness of God in everyone who believes (1:16-17). The Gospel delivers believers from the penalty of sin. Justification by faith—every believer is declared righteous the moment they believe (Chapters 1-4). The Gospel delivers believers from the power of sin. Sanctified by faith—every believer who relies on God’s Spirit will live righteously (Chapters 5-8). The Gospel’s promises are the promises of a covenant-keeping God (God’s faithfulness to Israel, Chapters 9-11). Paul devotes four chapters to carefully detailing how believers should respond to His mercies. Worshipers should give their lives to God as a sacrifice of worship (12:1-2). In a decisive act of the will we present our lives to God to transform to do His will (12:1-2). This decision counts the cost of living selflessly in the church and the world (12:3-21). God is looking for authentic worshipers who gather together in authentic worshiping communities to glorify Him in this fallen world. An authentic worshiper is a Christian who has given his or her life to God in response to the mercies of God. Worship is a lifestyle, not an event! An authentic worshiping community that “has good worship” according to God’s definition is a gathering of believers who are serving Christ together in response to His mercies. The event of good worship is the expression of the collective worshipful lifestyles of the community. "It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men." C.S. Lewis

Study Notes bible.cod Ed Underwood 1 Kings 12-2 Kings The Divided Kingdom Era The Lord announced, “I will also spurn Judah, just as I spurned Israel. I will reject this city that I chose—both Jerusalem and the temple, about which I said, ‘I will live there’” (2 Kings 23:27). The fourth major unit within the seventeen Historical Books is referred to as the Divided Kingdom Period. The Books of Kings record the reigns of kings of Israel and Judah following David. The United Kingdom of Israel reached the zenith of its power and influence early in Solomon’s 40-year reign (1 Kings 1-11). It began to decline because of Solomon’s divided heart for God. The books of Kings cover the 431 years of Israel’s history from Solomon’s coronation (973 B.C.) to Jehoiachin’s release from Babylonian exile (561 B.C.). The focus is on the 387 years from Solomon’s coronation to the destruction of the temple in 586 B.C. It begins with the Temple being built and ends with the Temple burnt. I believe it was written primarily by the prophet Jeremiah and finished by Ezra or Ezekiel with some final editing by unknown editors. It was written to the remaining kingdom of Judah before and after its Babylonian exile. It is at once an explanation for the Babylonian captivity and a warning to learn the lessons of history. “...1, 2 Kings present Israel’s history as a series of events that describe how and why the nation fell from the heights of national prosperity to the depths of conquest and exile. More specifically, [these books] explain how and why Israel lost the land it fought so hard to win in Joshua and worked so hard to organize in Judges, and 1, 2 Samuel.” (Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings, pp 15, 28) The nation divides in 1 Kings 12 when the ten northern tribes set up their own king, their own capital, and their own place of worship. The narrative becomes the story of two nations failing to heed the warnings of the Law and the prophets. Choosing idolatry rather than Temple worship and immorality rather than justice and morality, Israel and Judah decline and eventually dissolve. Israel is captured and dispersed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. Just over 150 years later in 586 B.C. Judah is led off to Exile in Babylonia. God has been patient with His people, pleading with them through the prophets. Both kingdoms’ failure to fulfill their covenantal responsibilities resulted in God’s loving but severe discipline: The story of the Divided Kingdom era is that Israel went into exile, but the plot is Israel went into exile because of its unfaithfulness to God. (Paul House, 1, 2 Kings, pp. 61-62) During the period of the Divided Kingdom each king is evaluated by his faithfulness to the covenant rather than by the grandeur of his reign. I. THE CONTEXT OF 1 AND 2 KINGS: The critical turning point in the Kings is 1 Kings 12 when Israel divided into two kingdoms. The narrative transitions from the story of one king, one nation, one capital, and one religion to two kings, two nations, two capitals, and two religions. A. DATES TO REMEMBER: The history of the kings revolves around these key dates: 973B.C.Solomon’scoronationasco-regentwithDavid 931 B.C. The kingdom divides between Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) 722B.C.AssyriancaptivityofIsrael 586B.C.BabyloniancaptivityofJudah,destructionofthetempleinJerusalem 1 Kings 12-2 Kings (Divided Kingdom): God loves His people too much to let them get by with their sin! 90 YEARS OF TURMOIL: Solomon’s divided heart is reflected in the division in the nation and the attitude of successive kings. The voices of the prophets, used by God to judge sin, reach their climax in Elijah. (1 Kings 12-22) 1. DIVISIONOFTHEKINGDOM:Rehoboam,Solomon’sfoolishson,rejectstheadviceofwise counselors and taxes the people heavily. Rebellion and civil war divides the country. Jeraboam from the tribe of Ephraim establishes a rebel nation from the ten northern tribes. He sets up a new system of worship, which sets the apostate pattern for the wicked rule, which will characterize the northern kings. (12-16) 2. AHABBATTLESELIJAH:Astheprophetsbegintospeak,ElijahconfrontswickedAhabwith God’s judgment of drought. Then, in a climactic demonstration of YHWH’s power, the prophets of Baal lose their lives enraging the wicked Queen Jezebel. (17-19) 3. AHAB BATTLES SYRIA: The closing chapters of 1 Kings focuses attention upon the reign of wicked Ahab, king of Israel. Though God is patient (1 Peter 3:9, 15) giving Ahab victory over Syria, Ahab spurns God’s love and disobeys. He dies rebelling against the God who loved him (20-22). 131 YEARS OF DECLINE BEFORE ISRAEL IS DISPERSED BY ASSYRIA: Israel rejects the ministry and messages of Elisha. (1-8) God preserves Joash of the line of David who restores the temple and serves God. Despite God’s blessing in the northern kingdom under the reign of Jeraboam II, the unbroken line of wicked kings and idolatrous people leads to Israel’s over throw by Assyria. (2 Kings 1-17) 155 YEARS OF DECLINE BEFORE JUDAH IS DEPORTED TO BABYLONIA: Whereas the northern kingdom had 19 unrighteous kings who gained power by murdering their predecessor, Judah had only one dynasty and 8 of its 20 kings were righteous. Despite the efforts of righteous kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah, the last four kings of Judah invite judgment by their unfaithfulness to the covenant and wickedness. Discipline comes in three deportations to Babylonia. The last deportation, lamented by the prophet Jeremiah (Lamentations), occurs in 586 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the Temple. Still, due to God’s faithfulness to His unconditional covenants, the book ends in hope with God preserving a remnant for Himself. (2 Kings 18-25) II. The Divided Kingdom and You: God’s message to His people during the period of the Exile in Babylonia and afterward encourages them to place their trust and hope in Him regardless of the circumstances of life. God’s sovereign and loving control of worldwide events during the divided kingdom era teach us to see His hand in these specific aspects of life as we follow Jesus Christ His Son: We see God’s hand in our history. He moved world powers to achieve His purposes in the lives of His people—Assyria, Babylonia, and Persia. (Romans 8:28) We see God’s hand in our discipline. He loved His people too much to allow them to continue in the sin of idolatry. The Babylonian Captivity slapped the idolatry out of Israel. (Hebrews 12:1-13) We see God’s powerful and personal care for those who were living for Him in a decadent culture— Elijah, Elisha, Hezekiah, Joash. (Hebrews 6:9-12)

Study Notes Ed Underwood 1 Kings 1-11 King Solomon: Wise, but Foolish! “Because you insist on doing these things and have not kept the covenantal rules I gave you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant” (God to Solomon, 1 Kings 11:11). The third major unit within the seventeen Historical Books is referred to as the United Kingdom Period. These four books—1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11, and 1 Chronicles—record the United Kingdom under three rulers, Saul, David, and Solomon. The events reported during this era cover a period of 170 years, from the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20) to the death of Solomon (1 Kings 11:43). By the end of the chaotic period of the judges, God’s people are crying for a king. Samuel, the last judge and first great prophet in Israel, anoints the people’s choice for their first king—Saul. Though Saul’s political credentials are impressive, his indifferent heart attitude toward God causes him to lose his kingdom to the young king-elect—David. But David, whose heart is dedicated to God, must wait for his kingdom. Saul rebels against God’s will, becoming insanely jealous of the young king to be. David flees for his life and learns many lessons of faith. Finally, Saul and his sons meet death on Mount Gilboa, setting the stage for 2 Samuel and the prosperity of Israel under righteous King David. The books of Kings cover the 431 years of Israel’s history from Solomon’s coronation (973 B.C.) to Jehoiachin’s release from Babylonian exile (561 B.C.). The focus is on the 387 years from Solomon’s coronation to the destruction of the temple in 586 B.C. It begins with the Temple being built and ends with the Temple burnt. I believe it was written primarily by the prophet Jeremiah and finished by Ezra or Ezekiel with some final editing by unknown editors. It was written to the remaining kingdom of Judah before and after its Babylonian exile. It is at once an explanation for the Babylonian captivity and a warning to learn the lessons of history. “1, 2 Kings present Israel’s history as a series of events that describe how and why the nation fell from the heights of national prosperity to the depths of conquest and exile. More specifically, [these books] explain how and why Israel lost the land it fought so hard to win in Joshua and worked so hard to organize in Judges, and 1, 2 Samuel.” (Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings, pp 15, 28) The first half of 1 Kings reports the life of Solomon, the last king of the United Kingdom era. Solomon reigned 40 years during the Golden Era of Israel’s history. During his monarchy Israel rose to the peak of her wealth and influence in the world. His greatest accomplishment was building the Temple in Jerusalem, and his wisdom and wealth brought him worldwide fame. But his heart for God waned when he disobeyed God’s warning and married pagan wives. God’s wisdom proved greater than Solomon’s. God knew these pagan wives would turn his heart toward their idols. Sure enough, the king’s divided heart left behind a divided kingdom: The books of Kings reports the 411-year monarchy from Solomon to the Babylonian captivity through the theme that failure to honor God’s revealed will always leads to personal and national chaos. The United Kingdom of Israel flourished under Solomon’s wise leadership. But it ended in a mess because Solomon refused to faithfully honor the Mosaic (conditional) Covenant. “Solomon stamped the inner image of his spiritual life upon the outward history of Israel; his divided heart left a kingdom divided in many ways.” (Bruce Waltke) I. THE CONTEXT OF 1 AND 2 KINGS: The critical turning point in the Kings is 1 Kings 12 when the united kingdom became the divided kingdom. The narrative transitions from the story of one king, one nation, one capital, and one religion to two kings, two nations, two capitals, and two religions. A. DATES TO REMEMBER: The history of the kings revolves around these key dates: 1. 973B.C.Solomon’s coronation ascoregent with David 1 Kings 1-11 (Solomon): A divided heart for God brings chaos to your world! 2. 931B.C.The kingdom divides between Israel (NorthernKingdom)and Judah (SouthernKingdom) 722B.C.Assyrian captivity of Israel 586B.C.Babylonian captivity of Judah, destruction of the temple in Jerusalem B. THE POINT: The narrative of the Kings is that Israel divided into two kingdoms and each went into exile. The story is told from the perspective that Israel went into exile because of its unfaithfulness to the Mosaic Covenant. I. UNITED KINGDOM: Solomon’s reign is marked by God’s blessing limited only by a divided heart. (1-11) A. SOLOMON’S COMMISSION: A THRONE FROM GOD Solomon’s transition to power culminates in a sincere prayer for wisdom which God is more than willing to grant. (1-4) Messiah: Solomon typifies Christ in many ways. His renowned wisdom points ahead to “Christ Jesus who became for us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Solomon’s fame, glory, wealth, and honor foreshadow Christ in His kingdom. His rulership brings knowledge, peace, and worship the world will never see again...until the One who is “greater than Solomon” arrived on the scene of history—the Son of Man (Matthew 12:42). SOLOMON’S CONSTRUCTION: A TEMPLE FOR GOD David’s dream to build a house for God comes true for his son, Solomon. In his address to the people at the dedication of the Temple, Solomon offers a majestic prayer to God with the oft-repeated refrain, ‘Then hear thou from heaven...and forgive.” (5-8) SOLOMON’S COMPROMISE: TURNING FROM GOD Solomon’s spreading fame and wealth begin to fill his heart with pride. His wholehearted devotion to God is replaced by a growing love for foreign wives (he eventually had over one thousand). He ends his life worshiping idols and judged by God—his kingdom will be taken from his son and given to another. The epitaph on Solomon’s life might read, “The wise king who acted foolishly.” (8-11) 4. You and 1 Kings 1-11: Solomon began as a leader who pointed his people toward God. From his heart for God he built the Temple, led the people in worship, and wrote most of the Proverbs and the Song of Solomon. But then his heart was pulled to other preoccupations (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6), pagan women, and other gods. He ended his life declaring that all was emptiness. Read and meditate on Colossians 3:1-4 and 1 John 2:15-16. Then, answer these questions honestly before your God and a few trusted friends: What preoccupies your heart right now? Your love relationship with Jesus Christ? Or your money, your leisure, your hobby, your health, your workouts, your sports team, or your career? Where are you most vulnerable to allowing your heart to be divided? If Satan wanted to turn your heart from Christ (and he does!), what would he use to preoccupy you to the point of distraction from what really matters most in life? Never forget this: The best decision you can make in life for those you love and lead is to walk with Christ as you relate to Him deeply!

Welcome to The Shaun Tabatt Show! In this episode I speak with Paul R. House about his book Bonhoeffer's Seminary Vision: A Case for Costly Discipleship and Life Together (Crossway, 2015).About the Book:Dietrich Bonhoeffer is best known for his role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler and his subsequent execution at the hands of the Nazis. However, most of us are less familiar with his tireless work educating seminary students for a life of pastoral ministry—a role that occupied him for most of his adult life.Anchored in a variety of influential lectures, personal letters, and major works such as The Cost of Discipleship and Life Together, this book attempts to recover a largely unexamined part of Bonhoeffer's life, exploring his philosophy and practice of theological education in his original context. It then builds on this foundation to address the drift toward increasingly impersonal educational models in our own day, affirming the value of personal, face-to-face seminary education for the health of pastors and churches. About the Author:Paul R. House (PhD, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as a professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School and has been a pastor-teacher in churches, Christian colleges, and seminaries for over 30 years. He is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society and an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature. House lives in Birmingham, Alabama.Connect with Paul: Beeson Divinity School Faculty Page For additional show notes, visit ShaunTabatt.com/064.

Paul R. House

Paul R. House

Paul R. House

Paul R. House

Paul R. House

Paul R. House