Don't throw in the towel!
Samuel Acevedo
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The message is based on Daniel 1 and discusses the importance of having an invincible faith when facing a crisis like being in Babylon. The speaker emphasizes that a worthwhile faith will be tested and purified through trials, and that there are personal and kingdom implications for one's suffering. The speaker also reflects on the absurdity of Daniel's declaration to not be contaminated in Babylon, but explains that the Lord has always maintained a remnant that refuses to surrender and will be refined through the fire.
The speaker discusses the story of Daniel in Babylon and how he maintained his faith in God despite being surrounded by a culture that was opposite to his beliefs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline and seeking the Lord in decision and not emotion. He also talks about the importance of serving, loving, and building in Babylon, and waiting for redemption while living as a pilgrim and foreigner. The speaker encourages the audience to know the promises of the Lord and to mark the days, even if they have not yet been fulfilled. Ultimately, the speaker reminds the audience that God is faithful and has prepared a city for those who long for a better one.
Believers should know and trust in the promises of the Lord, even if they haven't been fulfilled yet. They should write them down, personalize them, and tie them to their hearts. Even if they feel like they are in Babylon, far from the promises, they should declare that God is still on His throne and that His word will never pass away. They should bind their lives to the promises and trust that they will not be put to shame. The kingdom of God is established for eternity and victory, honor, and glory belong to Him.
The speaker discusses the story of Daniel in Babylon and how he maintained his faith in God despite being surrounded by a culture that was opposite to his beliefs. The speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual discipline and seeking the Lord in decision and not emotion. He also talks about the importance of serving, loving, and building in Babylon, and waiting for redemption while living as a pilgrim and foreigner. The speaker encourages the audience to know the promises of the Lord and to mark the days, even if they have not yet been fulfilled. Ultimately, the speaker reminds the audience that God is faithful and has prepared a city for those who long for a better one.
Believers should know and trust in the promises of the Lord, even if they haven't been fulfilled yet. They should write them down, personalize them, and tie them to their hearts. Even if they feel like they are in Babylon, far from the promises, they should declare that God is still on His throne and that His word will never pass away. They should bind their lives to the promises and trust that they will not be put to shame. The kingdom of God is established for eternity and victory, honor, and glory belong to Him.
Let's go to the book of Daniel, chapter 1. Little snow flowers in March, but brothers, don't be discouraged, spring will soon overcome winter. Don't throw in the towel. And in a way, brothers, that's what this message is about. Daniel, chapter 1. Daniel, chapter 1. Glory to God. Glory to God. Especially if you were raised in the Gospel, if you were raised in a Christian home, I have no doubt that sooner or later you have read this text, perhaps in a youth group. But recently I read it differently, the Lord broke me by revealing something to me and I take advantage of this morning to share that revelation with you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and besieged it. The Lord delivered into his hands” – into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, “Joakim king of Judah, and part of the utensils of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar,” –that is, Babylon– “to the house of his God, and he placed the utensils in the treasury house of his God. And the king said to Ashpenaz, chief of his eunuchs, to bring from the children of Israel, from the royal lineage of princes, boys in whom there was no blemish, of good appearance, taught in all wisdom, wise in science and of good understanding, and fit to be in the king's palace; and to teach them the letters and the language of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a ration for each day, from the provision of the king's food, and from the wine that he drank; and to raise them three years, so that at the end of them they would appear before the king. Among these were Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azariah, of the sons of Judah. To these the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel, Beltsasar; to Ananias, Sadrac; to Misael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-negotiated. And Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's food..."
“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and besieged it. The Lord delivered into his hands” – into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, “Joakim king of Judah, and part of the utensils of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar,” –that is, Babylon– “to the house of his God, and he placed the utensils in the treasury house of his God. And the king said to Ashpenaz, chief of his eunuchs, to bring from the children of Israel, from the royal lineage of princes, boys in whom there was no blemish, of good appearance, taught in all wisdom, wise in science and of good understanding, and fit to be in the king's palace; and to teach them the letters and the language of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a ration for each day, from the provision of the king's food, and from the wine that he drank; and to raise them three years, so that at the end of them they would appear before the king. Among these were Daniel, Ananias, Misael, and Azariah, of the sons of Judah. To these the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel, Beltsasar; to Ananias, Sadrac; to Misael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-negotiated. And Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the portion of the king's food..."
