Explore the Bible: Risk Everything for God

Last week, Becky and I attended a shrimp festival at a state park in Alabama. We were fortunate to get tickets because, though we and others did not know it at the time, tickets were selling out. I estimate that there were about 2000-3000 individuals attending the festival. While I enjoyed the gulf shrimp, Alabama BBQ, and all the other food and festivities, what impressed me most was something the park director did. Before the vendors began serving the food, he stopped the entire festival and gave thanks to our Lord for the food. Sadly, in our country today, this man took a risk because of his faith. I was proud to be at the festival that day and to see someone willingly risking his job to honor God. Explore the Bible: Risk Everything for God, focuses on this very topic today.

I have provided some very relevant world events to help you with the study this week. Please review the handout accompanying the teaching plan and the videos. I think you will see that the videos, the teaching plan, and the handouts will provide you with a very eyeopening approach to teaching the Daniel 3:1-28 passages. Lead your group to answer the question, "How much would I risk to remain faithful to God?"

Here is a preview of the videos I suggest using:

• Shocking Details on Extent of Christian Persecution in Iraq (CAUTION: In order to avoid politicizing the conversation, only show the first two minutes of the video.)
• ISIS Making Good on Promise to Kill Christians

Stay Focused when dealing with the golden statue. While the gold statue clearly represents Nebuchadnezzar and the dynasties that would follow him, don't get caught up trying to identify all these kingdoms; keep the focus on the TARGET of the study.

I pray God will use this study to help all of us to resolve to stand boldly and steadfastly for our faith while we still have the freedom to do so in our country!

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