Three Sins That Condemned Daniel

Jarrod Jacobs

            Daniel, the prophet of God, was an outstanding character of the Old Testament. Most of his life was spent in captivity: first under Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians, then under Darius the Mede, and Cyrus, king of Persia (Dan. 1, 6, 10). In spite of his being away from family and loved ones, he knew about God and worshiped Him faithfully. His faithfulness so impressed God that God said Daniel was one of only three men who “should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness” while the rest of the land would be laid waste by God because of the people’s sin (Ezek. 14:12-20).

            Yet, on one occasion, Daniel was condemned. Daniel was condemned to die, not by God, but by men, because he prayed to God after a decree had been made that no one could pray to anyone or any “thing” except to the king. Daniel’s condemnation came because three sins were committed. Not his sins, but because certain others committed sin. If we are not careful, we may also be guilty of these same sins. Let us study Daniel chapter 6, and see what three sins condemned Daniel to death.

            The first sin to condemn Daniel was envy. Daniel had risen to a position of leadership, not unlike Joseph in Egypt. During the reign of Darius, Daniel was placed over several governors. These men didn’t like this, and in their envy, they devised a way to trap Daniel (Dan. 6:1-4). In Daniel they found “no error or fault.” Therefore, they decided, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God” (Dan. 6:5). The only thing they could find “wrong” with him was his loyalty to God, and that he would put God above all else. (Wouldn’t this be a good problem for all of us to have?)

            The second sin that condemned Daniel was lying. Based on their decision to trap Daniel by forcing him to choose between the laws of the land and the laws of God; they met with the king, saying: “All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions” (Dan. 6:7). This was a lie, for “all” were not “agreed”! Daniel would not support this legislation. They had conspired and lied against Daniel, the very one who was over them (Dan. 6:2-3).

            The third sin condemning Daniel was pride. Friend, think about it. Why then did this edict pass (Dan. 6:9)? It is because of the King’s pride! He could have refused the legislation, but he, like Nebuchadnezzar, was proud and wanted to be worshiped. Why else would one sign such a decree? In the end, though, he was humbled when he realized what his signature and seal had done to Daniel (Dan. 6:14-15, 18-19). The sins of these men condemned Daniel to the lion’s den. Why? Because when Daniel “knew that the document was signed, he ... gave thanks before His God, as he had done previously” (Dan. 6:10). He did not alter his prayers, nor hide in the corner from anyone.

            The sad thing is that these sins are still with us today, and it is possible for us to be guilty of envy, lying, and pride if we are not careful. (In fact, these sins nailed Christ to the cross!) We know the outcome of Daniel and of his accusers (Dan. 6:23-24). What about us? Are we the kind of people that have such conviction and dedication that, no matter what, we will be faithful to God? Remember, Daniel didn’t know he would be rescued when he made his stand! In like manner, we don’t know the end of things when we stand for the Lord. However, we know Who holds the future! If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Another Strike At The Fabric Of Society

Jarrod Jacobs

            In June of 2013, Americans were met with the news that The Supreme Court of the United States had “legislated” from the bench again. Their 5-4 ruling was that section three of the Defense of Marriage Act was “unconstitutional”. Put simply, section three did not allow “same-sex” couples to receive the same government benefits that heterosexual married people receive. In effect, this ruling opened a door for the federal government’s eventual recognition of “same-sex” marriages in June of 2015. Such a ruling seems “par for the course” since in the past several years our civil leaders seem to do their best to rule in ways that are opposed to the Bible. Further, this nation is not unique in the world concerning such actions! I say this not as a virtue, but in shame. This nation that was once known for upholding Biblical principles is steadily moving away from these principles.

            Before someone says, “We have separation of church and state in this country, so we ought not mix politics and religion”; let us be reminded that such a statement is never found in our Constitution nor Declaration of Independence. The U.S. Constitution forbids Congress from establishing a “state religion” as England and other countries have. Our Constitution, however, does not forbid civil leaders, or anyone else, from expressing religious convictions publicly or privately!

            With this in mind, let the leaders of our country and its citizens be reminded that God has condemned homosexuality from Genesis through Revelation. How can folks who claim to believe in God and the Bible say otherwise? God showed His condemnation of homosexual acts when He destroyed Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim (Gen. 19). Homosexual sins were consistently condemned throughout the Old Law. In the New Testament, we see the same thing (Matt. 19:4-6; Rom. 1:26-27; I Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; etc.). Thus, when a country has legislators (or jurists acting like legislators) who treat homosexual sins as a “right”, then something is WRONG! Further, rest assured, God will not allow such actions to go unpunished. (See: Dan. 4-5)

            Remember the words of the Lord: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Yet, in the current political climate, instead of leaders bowing their heads and asking God for forgiveness, we have a civil government who encourages homosexual behavior (and other sinful acts) by bowing to those who practice it! (Rom. 1:32)

            Is homosexuality the only sin that has been “legalized”? No! Drinking alcohol, abortions (murder of unborn children), prostitution, fornication, adultery, divorce for any cause, and numerous other sins have been “legalized” in the last century. The sin of homosexuality is simply the “latest” sin being justified by civil leaders.

            What can Christians do in a situation where our leaders rule in opposition to God? 1) Pray to God for help (Jas. 5:16; I Pet. 5:7). Pray also for our civil leaders that they will see the error of their ways and repent (I Tim. 2:1-2). 2) Teach our children what is right. Homosexuality, like all other sins, is learned behavior (Jas. 1:14-15). It isn’t “genetic”, as some claim, for God says repent of it! (I Cor. 6:9-11) Let us teach our children God’s laws for marriage (Matt. 19:4-6; I Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4). Let us show them God’s ways of living while they are at home (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6). 3) Speak up when we can. This country still has freedom of speech for the time being. Let us use our freedom to speak up for God’s way, regardless of the sin being “legalized” (II Tim. 4:2, 2:2; II Pet. 1:12-15; etc.)! Express your disagreement with the elected officials as well. Let them know that there is a “voter block” who cares for God’s ways of ruling. Who knows but the people you speak to can be convinced and converted to the Lord’s ways on this subject and other subjects before it is too late (Est. 4:14).

            And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you “be puffed up for one against another.” Respect for others can develop into something sinful if we are not careful. In I Corinthians, as well as Romans 12:3, Paul warns against thinking of men above what is Scripturally allowed. In the case of the Corinthians, they placed undue importance upon who baptized them (I Cor. 1:11-17, 3:3-7). Paul said they were acting like babes in Christ rather than the mature Christians that they needed to be. While we may think highly of certain brethren, or family members, and the like, we must never think of them as sinless, without flaws, or somehow above what God has described in Scripture. Our association with them does not make us better than others. Who is Paul? Who is Apollos? What about any other apostle or evangelist? Even now, we may think of a “favorite” preacher, or a “favorite” Christian we respect highly. Regardless of past achievements, they were, and are, simply ministers or servants, acting so as to carry God’s word to the lost (I Cor. 3:5-8; I Pet. 4:11). No one in such a position deserves undue credit or praise. They are not equal to God. Their word is not “law.” While we may respect people who make various sacrifices in the Lord’s work, including those who brought us to the Lord, let us never place men in a position of importance that they do not deserve.

– Jarrod Jacobs

All Things Desirable To Men Are Contained In The Bible

Jarrod Jacobs

            “All things desirable to men are contained in the Bible.” – Abraham Lincoln. This statement made by Mr. Lincoln shows that he understood something that many today do not. Anything desirable, anything worthy of imitation or pleasing to God, is found in the Bible! Peter said God “has granted to us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3). If God has given us “all things,” then what do we lack? Why are men so pressed to find life’s “necessities” somewhere else? Truly, “all things desirable to men are contained in the Bible.”

            Within the pages of Inspiration, we find God’s instructions for life. “Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc. 12:13). God’s word says treat others as we would want them to treat us (Matt. 7:12). No one has ever improved on this! God declares that we are to “pursue what makes for peace, and for mutual upbuilding” (Rom. 14:19). God instructs us to speak to others in an edifying way, and to not tear one another down through malicious words and gossip (Eph. 4:29, 31). Husbands and wives are to submit themselves to one another and love one another, cleaving to each other, and forsaking all others (Eph. 5:22-33). In any relationship, the Bible has the answer. It truly contains “all things desirable to men.”

            The Bible also contains God’s plan for the salvation of mankind. We see it unfolding from Genesis 3, and continue to take shape until the coming of Christ who died on the cross! The Bible teaches that Christ’s blood was shed to purchase us and take away our sin (I Pet. 1:18-19; Matt. 26:28; Jn. 1:29). God loved man so much that He allowed His Son to die on our behalf (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-9). Christ shed His blood, and resurrected on the third day, declaring Himself to be the Son of God with power (Rom. 1:4). The Holy Spirit was then sent to guide the apostles into “all truth” so that they could preach and teach the truth to all nations (II Pet. 1:20-21; Jn. 14:26, 15:26, 16:13; Col. 1:5-6, 23; Rom. 16:26).

            Now, it is man’s responsibility to do that which is right and submit himself to God’s will. He must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn. 8:24) and repent of his sins (Lk. 13:3). He must confess his faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10), and then be baptized for the remission of his sins (Acts 2:38). Upon doing these things, the Bible reveals that man is saved (Mk. 16:16). Notice please that man is not saved simply by “doing something.” Man is not saved on his own merit. Man is saved by hearing and doing the will of God. He has done nothing of which to boast, but must do what Christ expects (Lk. 17:10; Eph. 2:8-9). He must then live a faithful life to God, doing the Lord’s will as His faithful servant (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). The Bible teaches that when we submit to God, doing His will, and obeying His word, we become His servant or slave (Rom. 6:16-18). Still, this is a desirable position! What better place to be than in the loving care and mercy of a loving God whom you can now call your Father (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6)? What could be more “desirable” than this?

            The Bible contains the wisdom and power of God to salvation (Rom. 1:16). God has revealed things to us that belong to us and our children forever (Deut. 29:29). The Bible reveals our origin. It reveals our purpose for being here, and it reveals what shall become of us (the faithful AND unfaithful) at the end of time. Jesus said that this book will be our standard on the Judgment Day (Jn. 12:48). Seeing that this is true, how foolish it is to cast this book aside as “antiquated,” or “a book of myths,” etc.! The Bible is necessary, vital, and alive. Let us never forget that (Heb. 4:12)!!

            Yes, “all things desirable to men are contained in the Bible.” The question is: Will you accept or reject the Bible?

Things We See In Mary, The Mother Of Christ

Jarrod Jacobs

            Jesus’ mother Mary stands out as a great example of a godly woman. She was the one chosen by God to be Jesus’ mother (Lk. 1:28), and as a result, she has become the focus of admiration, but sadly, gossip and slander, and even idolatrous acts. It seems that folks’ reaction to Mary has run the “spectrum” just as it has with Jesus. In this article, let us see what God said about Mary.

            Early in Bible history, we read about this one who would give birth to the Savior. She was not specifically named; however, she is described for us in Genesis 3:15. Another passage which speaks of Jesus’ birth and of His mother is Isaiah 7:14. It says, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

            Upon reading about Mary in the books of Matthew and Luke, we learn she is a virgin chosen to bear God’s Son (Lk. 1:34). She was the fulfillment of God’s prophecy, and served the Lord’s purpose, not only in bearing a son, but also in raising Him (Lk. 2:51).

            What we are told about her character revolves around the events of God choosing her to be the mother of Christ. When we read about her during this time, we find a young woman whose example ought to be emulated by young girls today.

            Probably the most obvious characteristic is that she is an example of moral purity. She did not commit sexual sin with anyone and sin against God and her body (I Cor. 6:18; Lk. 1:34; Heb. 13:4).

            In addition to this, we see Mary as humble and obedient to God. When Gabriel told her she was chosen, and answered her questions, her response was: “Behold I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38). Her attitude was not unlike Noah, Moses, and many others (Gen. 6:22; Ex. 40:16, 39:42-23). She obeyed the Lord and was blessed for it.

            Please understand though, that as great as Mary was, she was not sinless. Romans 3:23 applies to her just as it does to everyone else on earth. Jesus died for the remission of her sins, just as He died for the remission of everyone else’s sin (Matt. 20:28, 26:28). At the same time, she was not born in sin. The Bible does not teach this. The Bible teaches the opposite, declaring, “The soul that sins will die” (Ezek. 18:4, 20). The sins she would have committed came as a result of her yielding to Satan’s temptation (Jas. 1:14-15).

            Sadly, people throughout history have made more of Mary than God ever intended. This issue began while she was living. One time, a woman cried out to Jesus and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed.” Jesus corrected her by saying: “Blessed rather, are those who hear the word of God, and keep it” (Lk. 11:27-28). Mary was not then nor is she now deserving of worship. Only God is deserving of worship (Acts 10:25-26; Rev. 19:10, 22:9)! She is not deity. She was a humble servant, like many others in the Bible. At the same time, she is not a mediator. Only Christ serves in this work (I Tim. 2:5-6).

            While on earth, she served a very important role. Yet, to give her undue glory is not right. It is just as wrong to give her undue glory as it is to place upon her scorn and ridicule as if she were guilty of sexual relations before marriage! (Many have said this through the years.) She was not guilty of fornication.

            Mary strikes me as a kind, virtuous, considerate woman. Certainly, her example ought to be remembered, just as we remember the examples of Noah, Hannah, Ruth, Moses, Peter, Paul, Phoebe, and others. Young women today who follow her example will be blessed, as well as their families. Fathers and mothers, what are you doing to encourage your daughters to act like Mary?