Sermon Date: Feb. 16 & 17 Sermon Title: Handwritings on the Wall Sermon Text: Daniel 5
Introduction
Discussion
Application
Few people are willing to consider the concept of eternity. What will happen when we inevitably have to deal with the reality of leaving this earth? Like King Belshazzar, sometimes we tend to neglect the topic of eternity until it’s too late. Prepare to be challenged as we learn to live with eternity in mind. 1. Share of a time when you’ve neglected wisdom or advice from someone you trusted, only to experience failure in the end. What happened? 2. Read Daniel 5. What message did the King receive and who did he call to help deciphered it? 3. Review Daniel 5:1-4. At times, we can all find ourselves being entertained by things that dishonor God. Belshezzar was no different as he used sacred ornaments in his party while praising other Gods. Can you share of a time where your actions dishonored God? How can our forms of entertainment or social gatherings at times be an offense to God? 4. Read Ephesians 4:30 and Ephesians 5:15. As believers, we are called to live lives as wise and not unwise; and not to grieve the Holy Spirit. What do these verses mean to you? And how can these verses help keep your life spiritually focused? 5. Review Daniel 5:22-24. In these verses Daniel is clear in letting Belshezzar know that his affliction is caused by his pride and idolatrous behavior. He enjoyed the pleasures of the world and rarely considered his own mortality. What do you think causes people to chase after worldly pleasures as opposed to eternal glory? From experience, what would you say a Christ-centered life can offer that the world can’t? 1. Daniel had the benefit of seeing numerous kings fall because they wanted to play the role of God. However, Daniel rose to prominence because he knew the true God and remained faithful through it all. How can you, like Daniel, remain faithful in the midst of bad circumstances? What can you resolve to do today in your spiritual journey? 2. The bible reminds us that we must all stand before God one day(2 Corinthians 5:10) and that no one knows the day or hour that Christ will return(Matthew 24:36). Is this something that you keep in mind? If not, how can you learn to live with the end in mind?