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In preparation for a series of books using my mother’s sermon notes, I came across this message, and I hope this abridged version will encourage and challenge us. The message is based on Daniel 3.

1. Idols.

Idolatry is giving worship due only to God, to something else. It need not be gold, wood or stone — it can be money, education, business pleasures, companions, art, music, or your home. These are perfectly right in their place, but become sin when put in place of God. God must come first.

A Christian girl, defending her practice of attending places of amusement, said to her minister, “I take Christ with me to the theatre and dance hall.” The minister quietly replied: “Indeed, is that so? You can take Jesus with you. I did not know that was the order, that it was yours to lead and His to follow.” Christ is our leader, and He commands us to renounce the world. So, we cannot be a follower of Him if we are not willing to do as He commands. We are told to love the Lord with all our heart.

2. The three men had five things that were important:

1. A strong conviction. They knew in Whom they believed.
2. Faith. Our God is able.
3. Steadfastness. They were not as a wave driven with the wind.
4. Courage. They gave a bold testimony before the king.
5. Love. Nothing but love would induce them to take such a stand.

Love must be our ruling force. They proved God’s power not only in the furnace, but in temptations prior to it. This world is in desperate need of courageous men, women and children who will stand up for ‘right’, whatever happens.

3. Furnace

A bold confession will undoubtedly lead to a furnace. The Hebrews were warned of their fate. As Christians, we are told that we will have tribulation, so it’s no use saying it wouldn’t come to that. Trial and persecution cannot be escaped by any Christian who boldly declares himself. Many professing Christians are so lukewarm that the devil knows they will never do his kingdom much harm. He knows too, that with Christ’s power within us, we can be a very dangerous enemy to his ranks. Christ also suffered at the hands of sinners and religious leaders.

4. What made the difference in this story?

Nebuchadnezzar received three shocks.

Firstly, the three fell down into the middle of this terrible furnace when his men were killed at the entrance by the intense heat.

Secondly, the men got loose and were walking calmly about.

Thirdly, he saw the form of a fourth man which was like the son of God. He made sure that only three had been thrown in.

The big difference was that God was there. What a great moment for these men. God’s presence was so real to them. They were true to Him and He never failed them.

Perhaps we are having a bad time. Trouble and temptations seem to overwhelm us. Without God, even the smallest and most trifling circumstances will prove disastrous, but with God all the powers of Satan cannot harm us. The harder the fight, the more glorious the victory. The most important thing is to have God’s spirit in our lives.

Let us take fresh courage and remember these men of faith who triumphed in God’s strength. God is stronger than His foe.