Sunday morning (8/4/07), I preached on Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego. Here are some of my thoughts organized in an outling:

THE FIERY TRIAL . . .
1. Reinforces Fellowship
 Not UNeasy to be in it (Paul & Silas)
 Not in a hurry to get out of it
 Not really harmed by it (Rom.8:28 “for good”)

Isa 43:2 “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”

 Whether they see Him or not, He is there.

2. Removes Bonds (Freedom)
 Fire does not hurt the gold, only the dross.
 Love of the world: l. flesh, l. eyes, pride/life
 Doubts & Fears
*Note: faith strengthened, hope encouraged, and love abounds in the fire.

3. Reveals Testimony
 See us in the fire (the Devil only shoots at Gods kids)
 See us in the fire with Jesus
 See us in the fire free

Concl: It is better to be in the fire with Jesus, than in the palace with a king.

I don’t know where I got this outline. I’ve had it for years. So if someone accuses me of plagarism, I plead guilty

Chas
8/5/07