Secondly, let's talk about their companionship.
a) Though these young men were separated from their families and former lives, they did have one thing going for them. They were not totally alone. They had each other!! Whenever one was down or lonely, they always had each other to talk to. They understood each other. They were the bestest of friends.
b) don't underestimate the power of companionship! Christian companionship is a great source of strength.
1) For instance, look at Valentine's Day. Alot of the time, when you think of Valentine's Day, you think about lovers, and spouses, but there is also the love for friends and family. and those types of love should be the first in your life. Consider, friends and family are always there for you, their love is most genuine.
2) Our Young People. These people are the church of our tomorrow. Even though that we have integrated two churches, the young people are as inviting as ever. They are always friendly and willing to meet new people, accept new people.
3) so let's talk about influences on one another. Some of the people here have just totally transformed and inspired me to do better! just look at all those people that are sick with cancer, losses of spouses, heartaches over children. Pastor Ziglstra has had nothing but a servant's heart throughout the entire crisis.
4) What is a friend? Friends are people with whom you dare to be yourself. You soul can be naked with them. they ask you to put nothing, only to be what you are. They do not want you to be better or worse. When you are with them, you feel as a prisoner feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, as long as it is genuinely you. Friends understand those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. with them you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and envies and hates and vicious sparks, your meanness and absurdities, and in opening them up to friends, they are lost, dissolved on the white ocean of their loyalty. They understand. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse them, neglect them, tolerate them. Best of all, you can keep still with them. It makes no matter. They like you. They are like fire that purges to the bone. They understand. You can weep with them, sing with them, laugh with them, pray with them. Through it all-- and underneath all-- they see, know, and love you. A friend? What is a friend? Just one, i repeat , with whom you dare to be yourself.
c) But now, let us consider the greatest companion of all.
1) In an egocentric rage, Nebuchadnezzr sentenced these boys to death.
2) And, as if it were necessary, he had the furnaces made seven times hotter!
3) Then he got his strongest men to bind the three Hebrews. (don't you get the feeling that Nebuchadnezzar somehow feared that GOD was going to do something?)
4) Into the fire they went! THE FLAMES WERE SO HOT THEY KILLED THE SOLDIERS!
5) Eventually, Nebuchadnezzar went to look into the fire and was completely GOBSMACKED!!!! yes yes, think about it, the three boys in the fire, how are they reacting? you don't hear those yells and screams of pain. but instead, what is it that Nebuchadnezzar could see? He saw them all cool, calm and relaxed. it was as if they were saying, "hey there, King Nebuchadnezzar, wanna come join us in this lovely sauna?!?!" what a great laugh to see the king so awed.
d) What a tremendous lesson this is for us today. When we are in the furnace of trials, we need to know that JESUS is with us! We are children of GOD
1) Are you being tested right now, and it feels like a fiery furnace? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
2) Are you suffering from physical pain and illness? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
3) Are you financially strapped and struggling? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
4) Do you have a broken heart? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
5) Are you confused and disillusioned by the hardships of life? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
6) Are you frightened of the future? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
7) Are you filled with doubts and simay? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
8) Are you filled with doubts and dismay? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
9) Are you worried and anxious about many things? JESUS IS WITH YOU!!
NOW, everyone, let's join in the repetition of these words. JESUS IS WITH YOU!!! come'on, say it again, JESUS IS WITH ME!!!!!
e) I love the ending......
1) They didn even smell like smoke
2) Nebuchadnezzar, still the extremist, made an edict that everyone had to worship only the true GOD, or be cut up and thrown on a dunghill.
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