Proverbs 27 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring," and James writes, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." James condemns the arrogant boasting of the self-sufficient, who make ambitious, self-centered plans with no regard for the will of God nor His glory.

The Word of God commands us, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But the epistle of James brings to light the regrettable human tendency to judge our neighbor and exalt ourselves. James poses the sobering question, "Who are you to judge your neighbor?", and reminds us that God is the only One who is holy and pure enough to rightly judge the thoughts, hearts, and actions of men.

We know the saying, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil," often accompanied by a picture of three monkeys covering their eyes, ears, and mouth. Well, James says much the same thing when he writes, "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers." In his typical blunt fashion, James strongly cautions us against the sins of slander, gossip, backbiting, and speaking evil of others.

Just like flowers will grow in good soil, the environment of biblical humility is the soil in which our spiritual lives, and our relationships with God and with others, can truly flourish. This good soil is cultivated by five directives set forth by James: submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God, cleanse your hands, and purify your heart.

Christians should pursue friendship with our co-workers, neighbors, and those in our communities – but we must draw the line at friendship with the world. James cautions us, "Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" – but God gives His people grace to help us resist and overcome the allurements and enticements of the world.

Many different weapons have been used throughout military history – but God has designed one singular spiritual weapon for His people. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he exhorts us to master the Word of the Lord as the Sword of the Lord.

Interpersonal conflict rears its ugly head in the family, in the workplace, and even in the church. The epistle of James says, "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?" How can we biblically address, resolve, and avoid personal conflict with others, by dealing biblically with the conflict that is present within every one of us?

One of the greatest masterpieces of world literature is Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. Well, as the story of your life unfolds, there may be several chapters with much war and conflict in your interpersonal relationships, and very little peace. What are the causes, and the cure, for the conflict and disharmony that can poison our relationships inside and outside the church?

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "Be careful how you live, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil." In God's eyes, the so-called wisdom of the world is foolish, earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. God commands us to live by His divine wisdom from heaven – pure, peaceable, gentle, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

An Ivy League education or a PhD may make you intelligent and wise by the world's standards – but James sets forth a very different criteria for wisdom in God's eyes: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." We must study the Word of God to discover the wisdom of God, and then apply it to every area of life.

Children can say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" – but in reality, our words possess incredible power to either tear down and destroy, or to uplift and edify. We must remember that careless and malicious speech can cause great damage and destruction, while the ability to control the tongue is a sure sign of spiritual maturity and godly character.

An astronaut venturing outside his space station relies on his lifeline to keep him tethered to safety. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he tells about the two spiritual lifelines God has given us to rely upon for our survival as Christians.

One tiny spark can set off a raging forest fire that can cause incredible damage and destruction. In the same way, careless or malicious words can destroy reputations, emotionally scar another person for years, and create havoc and misery in numerous lives. We must realize the awesome power of the tongue, and rely on the Holy Spirit for the power to control our speech for the glory of God.

The tongue has great potential for good or evil – to either spread bitterness, division, and false doctrine, or to praise, bless, encourage, uplift, and promote sound teaching. Therefore, teachers and elders in the church of Jesus Christ must be especially diligent to cultivate Christlike control of their communication and speech, in their sacred responsibility as overseers of the souls under their care.

People can tell a great deal about your heart by the words that come out of your mouth. In other words, what you say says a lot about you. The constant subjection of our speech to biblical scrutiny and the control of the Holy Spirit is not only a worthwhile goal for every Christian – it is especially important for those who would be teachers and spiritual leaders in the church of Jesus Christ.

The Bible declares that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. But James warns us that there is such a thing as a dead faith that is not accompanied by good works for the glory of God. This type of so-called faith is useless and cannot save anyone, while genuine faith by which we are justified before God is a faith that also produces good works and spiritual fruit.

Reformed theology echoes the teaching of the Apostle Paul in declaring that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, apart from the works of the Law. And yet, the epistle of James seems to contradict Paul by stating that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone." How do we reconcile what appears to be a sharp contradiction between James and Paul?

What sets the Bible apart from any other book? Where did it come from? How did we get it? Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he answers these questions in his new series The Divine Majesty and Sufficiency of God's Word.

James exhorts us, “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” But we violate this royal law if we judge people based on appearance, economic status, social standing, and worldly criteria rather than on their inward character and their inherent dignity and worth as human beings created in the image of God.

“Don’t play favorites” is a cardinal rule for parents, to avoid creating resentment and bitterness in their children. But James cautions us of the danger of playing favorites in the church. We are not to show favoritism and partiality based on wealth, reputation, or outward appearance, for this may lead to mistreatment and contempt towards other brothers and sisters in Christ of like precious faith.

The Bible says that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart – and James exposes this hypocritical tendency that should have no place in the church. We are prone to base our judgments on reputation and outward appearances. But God rejects such partiality and favoritism, for He looks at the heart, knows its every thought and intent, and judges with perfect wisdom.

How would you react if you came across a poor man with shabby, dirty clothes on the street? Now, how would you react if such a man came to your church? God despises an attitude of partiality and favoritism based on mere outward appearance. We must learn to treat others not on the basis of wealth, reputation, or outward appearance, but based on Gospel-fueled Christian love and compassion.

Many people believe that all religions lead to God – and actually, they are right. All religions do lead to God but the question is: What will God say to you when you get there? Those who follow the false religions of the world will hear, "Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness. I never knew you." Will you hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master" ?

God brings judgment upon His enemies and at the same time, delivers and justifies His people. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he unpacks this biblical truth in his message, "The Wrath of God Will Be Satisfied, Yet the People of God Will Be Justified."

You may have heard believers say things like, "I'm not religious, I'm a Christian," or "Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship." While there may be some truth to these sentiments, the epistle of James clearly stresses that Christianity IS a religion, and that believers ARE to be religious. What are the characteristics of pure and undefiled religion that James exhorts us to pursue?

In terms of what truly matters, there are really only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who ultimately dismiss, ignore, or reject the Word of God – and in so doing, reject the God of the Word. In stark contrast, there are those who respond to the Word of God in faith and belief, cling to the sovereign Lord who gave it to us, and build their lives upon its teachings.

We all know the familiar saying, "Monkey see, monkey do" – but in light of today's Scripture text from James, we might rephrase this as, "Christian HEAR, Christian do." James warns us against the ultimate folly and fruitlessness of only hearing the Word of God, without the commitment to actively DOING the Word of God by applying its divine wisdom and instruction to our daily lives.

There is much more to gardening than just planting the seeds – you must regularly weed the garden so the plants will grow to maturity. James reminds us that, like a gardener diligently pulling weeds to cultivate a fruitful garden, we must put away all filthiness, wickedness, and ungodliness, so the implanted Word of God can grow to maturity and bear lasting fruit in our lives.

The book of James is the New Testament counterpart of Old Testament wisdom literature books like Proverbs, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes. James teaches us about Gospel Living Through Gospel Wisdom, and today we examine the application of wisdom in his admonition: "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

In days past, a town crier or watchman would shout out a warning at the sight of danger. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he shows us how Nahum did the same thing with Ninevah and the Assyrian empire.

Much of the evangelical church believes that sinners become Christians by exercising their free will and choosing to be born again through faith in Jesus Christ. But James writes, “Of HIS OWN WILL He brought us forth by the word of truth.” We do not CHOOSE to be born again by our own decision, but God CAUSES us to be born again by His sovereign work of grace in regeneration.

At Christmastime, searching far and wide for the perfect gift may make you wonder if such a thing even exists – but according to James, good and perfect gifts are a reality for God's people. James writes: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."

A fisherman uses a variety of baits and lures to catch fish – and temptation comes in various forms to lure and entice us, hook us, and pull us away from God into sin. We must take warning of James to heart: “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

When we are tested by the challenges and difficulties of life, we must remember that every TRIAL we face is actually a TRAIL leading to one of two places. It can either be a trail to temptation, sin, eventual downfall, possibly even death, or it can be a trail to life as we allow our faith and character to be tested, remain steadfast and faithful in the Lord, and experience triumph in Jesus Christ.

A materially wealthy person can live a spiritually impoverished life, while a person living in poverty can be rich in the things of God. James teaches us that, whether we face poverty or prosperity, we must strive to pass the tests of life, persevere through the trials we face, and learn the proper attitude and practice of Gospel Exaltation and Gospel Humiliation.

Many people say "God is love" as if He were ONLY love and nothing else – but the Bible reveals many other attributes of God. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he examines seven attributes of God set forth in the first chapter of Nahum.

A ship will make it to port if the captain sets a course and follows it, but it will never arrive at its destination if it just drifts aimlessly upon the sea, tossed to and fro by the wind and the waves. The epistle of James says that if we ask God in faith for the wisdom we need, He will give it to us – but if we doubt the Lord, we are like a ship that is driven and tossed by the wind and the waves.

You may remember the popular 1950's television show "Father Knows Best" – but do you live like you truly believe that your Heavenly Father Knows Best? We all need wisdom to handle the issues and challenges we face every day, and the epistle of James urges us to turn to God in faith and ask for the divine wisdom we so desperately need, that only He can give.

We all experience suffering and trials, hardship and pain, and we may often see them as obstacles trying to impede our spiritual growth, or disrupt our relationship with God. But the epistle of James sets forth a remarkable spiritual truth – the Lord works through trials, suffering and adversity to help you learn how to trust Him more, and lean more fully upon Him.

You may remember the 1981 bestseller, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People" – but this title is problematic for two reasons. First, it assumes that there is such a thing as good people who DESERVE a pleasurable, pain-free life. Second, it implies that "bad things" do not have a divine purpose behind them that is ultimately beneficial, that God works in and through for His good purposes.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps the most well-know and best-loved parable of Jesus Christ. But did you realize that James, the Lord's brother, is a real-life illustration of the Prodigal Son? He moved from the pigsty of mocking, arrogant unbelief toward Jesus Christ, to embrace Him as Lord and Savior and live as His devoted servant and a beloved son of God.

A nation will prosper under God's blessing – but if it turns away from the Lord, there will be dire consequences. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he begins a new series "Nahum: God's Word to the Nations"

John chapter 7 tells us that the brothers of Jesus did not believe in Him, and Mark 3 tells us that His own family members said He was out of His mind. But later, we discover that the Lord's brother James became one of the most steadfast, resolute pillars of the ancient church. What transformed James from arrogant unbelief, to wholehearted devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ?

A chemist uses a litmus test to determine the level of acidity in a given substance – and there is a litmus test that we can use to determine the quality of our Christian life. As the epistle of James teaches us about Gospel Living through Gospel Wisdom, it acts as a litmus test to help us determine the genuineness of our faith, and the consistency of our walk with Jesus Christ.

During the year 2000 presidential primaries, Republican candidate John McCain traveled on a campaign bus known as the "Straight Talk Express." Well, if you want some straight talk on how to live the Gospel life, the epistle of James is for you. James tells it like it is as he straightforwardly and practically explains what the Christian life should look like and how we are to live it.

Satan uses the disillusion of our decaying culture, the deformity of our government, and the decline of sound theology in the church to spread fear among Christians – fear that paralyzes and makes us ineffective in advancing His Kingdom. The only antidote to this paralyzing fear is our steadfast confidence in Christ produced by the increasing knowledge of God's perfect love for us.

After Moses died, the Israelites faced a future fraught with uncertainty, danger, and hardship. But God told Joshua: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” The church of Jesus Christ must learn to take these words to heart as we too face difficult and challenging times in our nation and in the world.

The subject of biblical submission has stirred much controversy, discussion, and debate. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he explains how mutual submission to one another out of reverence for Christ is a mark of a Spirit-filled church.

In the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” we sing the words, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love” – but this is not just true of individual Christians. Churches, seminaries, and even denominations are prone to wander from their Christ-given mission, message and ministry, as they embrace the unbiblical errors of contemporary progressive Christianity.

Companies and organizations will often create a "mission statement" so their employees or members will work together to fulfill that purpose. The mission statement of the church of Jesus Christ matches, word-for-word, the divine mandate known as the Great Commission. How does contemporary progressive Christianity actually oppose and undermine the mission statement of Christ's church?

False doctrines and deceptive teachings had infiltrated the early church, compelling Jude to write his brief epistle urging Christians to earnestly "contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." Believers today must take this same exhortation to heart, as we face the rise of contemporary progressive Christianity and the growing threat it poses to the evangelical church.

"Confession is good for the soul" is not only a familiar expression, but a biblical principle as well. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he shows us how to fruitfully heed the biblical exhortation to confess our sins to one another.

The Apostle Paul urged the Ephesians, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he examines the vital importance of forgiving one another in the Body of Christ.

The stated mission of Revoice theology is: “to support and encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other same-sex attracted Christians – as well as those who love them – so that all in the Church might be empowered to live in gospel unity while observing the historic Christian doctrine of marriage and sexuality.” How does this mission statement flatly contradict Historic Biblical Christianity?

We are not in the midst of a cultural war, but a spiritual war. Contemporary progressive Christianity produces a half-gospel that is ineffective in dealing with sins that our culture is now celebrating. Our society and culture will either be blessed by Christians fighting the spiritual war with the armor of God and the weapons of the Spirit – or they will become casualties of war.

The first mark of contemporary progressive Christianity is a denial of the functional supremacy of God's Word in faith and practice. It redefines biblical terms according to the language of psychology and therapy, resulting in a therapeutic gospel instead of a redemptive one. How does this first mark manifest itself in the church and produce four other characteristics of progressive Christianity?

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.” Today there is a different gospel infiltrating the Evangelical church in the form of contemporary progressive Christianity, and today we begin to examine five marks of this dangerously distorted false gospel.

Progressive Christianity appeases and panders to the godless unbelieving culture around us, using cultural intimidation to pressure the church to conform and compromise. It imitates genuine Christianity by infiltrating churches and seminaries with false teachers and deceptive false doctrines that have an appearance of authenticity, but are actually deadly spiritual poison.

It has frequently been said that "great minds think alike." Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he exhorts us to be of the same mind with one another in authentic Christian love, fellowship, and spiritual unity.

Today's progressive Christianity may use different language to distance itself from yesterday's theological liberalism – but in computer lingo, it is simply Liberal Christianity 2.0 and therefore not true biblical Christianity. Just like the old liberal Christianity, contemporary progressive Christianity has the the wrong motivation, the wrong mission, and therefore ends up with the wrong message.

Contemporary progressive Christianity and the liberal Christianity of the 20th century have one thing in common – neither are compatible with genuine biblical Christianity. Progressive Christianity uses different terminology to repackage the poisonous errors of old liberal Christianity, and functions as a Trojan horse to sneak these deadly heresies into the Evangelical church.

The so-called Progressive Christianity infiltrating the modern church uses the vocabulary and terminology of historic Christian theology, but does not use the same definitions – and that what makes it so deceptive and dangerous. How can we recognize the subtle and deceptive redefining of historical biblical Christianity that is rampant in Progressive Christianity?

Many people are fascinated and yet troubled by the subject of the end times. We may wonder, “As the end times approach, are things going to get better or worse?” And the answer to this question is, yes … and yes. God’s Kingdom is going to grow and advance, and at the same time the kingdom of Satan will grow more vile and respond with increasing ferocity.

In the Apostles Creed we affirm, “I believe in the resurrection of the body.” Many people think this article of the Christian faith is nowhere to be found in the Old Testament, and only began to be revealed in New Testament times. But actually, Daniel chapter 12 gives us a clear teachings about the resurrection of the body, the ministry of angels, and the end times.

There is no conflict between acceptance and discipline in a loving family – especially in God's family. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he shows us how genuine love in the family of God strikes the right balance between acceptance and discipline.

Jesus warned his listeners, "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place, then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." This refers to Daniel chapter 11, and as we examine this prophecy in detail we see how the words of both Daniel and Jesus set forth the scope of history as it pertains to God's people.

Chapter 11 of Daniel begins with a prophecy about the four kings of the Medo-Persian empire who were to come in succession – a prophecy so detailed that liberal scholars discount any possibility that it was written at the time of Daniel. What they refuse to believe is that biblical prophecy is just pre-written history, recorded by God in His Word centuries before these events took place.

A blind man lives in a world of sound, touch, smell, and taste – but he can only know about the world of sight from someone who can see. We live in a physical world that we experience through our five senses – but there exists another world of invisible and powerful spiritual forces … a world that we cannot begin to understand apart from the divine revelation of Holy Scripture.

On a mission trip in Uganda, Dr. Reeder witnessed an awareness of spiritual warfare that is absent in much of the American church. One believer said, “Pastor Reeder, you all are involved in spiritual warfare – it’s just that we know it and you don’t.” Christians in our nation may think we are in a culture war – but actually, this is just a reflection of the spiritual war that involves every Christian in the world.

If you are fascinated or confused by Daniel's vision of the 70 weeks – stay tuned. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, the coming and Messianic ministry of Jesus Christ, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD … all of these events of history correspond to the 490-year time frame of Daniel's 70 weeks.

People can conclude a great deal about Christianity, from how Christians greet one another. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he examines the positive witness that comes from greeting one another with warmth and appropriate expressions of affection.

Daniel received a divine vision regarding 70 weeks decreed for his people and their holy city – Israel and Jerusalem. Bible students and scholars have long discussed and debated the meaning of this 70 weeks, and today Harry sets forth what he believes to be the most biblically consistent explanation of this fascinating and controversial passage of Holy Scripture.

People foolishly turn to fortune tellers, horoscopes, and astrology to find out about the future – but Daniel turned to the Lord in fervent prayer, confession of sin, and intense petition and intercession for his nation, and the Lord gave him wisdom, understanding, and insight concerning future events. Our prayer lives should reflect Daniel's spirit of humility, repentance, and intercession.

Christians rejoice to see God answer our prayers and the prayers of other believers. But you have probably not experienced an answer to prayer quite like Daniel did. God responded to Daniel's heartfelt cry by sending the angel Gabriel with an extraordinary message of divine wisdom, insight, and revelation.

In a time of national crisis, Daniel didn't throw up his hands in despair – he went to his knees in prayer. Daniel fervently prayed for God to graciously bring His nation and people to repentance, so they would turn to the Lord for mercy and blessing, and avert the divine judgment that their sins deserved. How can we learn to follow Daniel's pattern of powerful prayer?

You may be familiar with the classic Christian book, "With Christ in the School of Prayer" by South African pastor and author Andrew Murray. Well, today we find ourselves with Daniel in the school of prayer, as we go to chapter 9 of his book and examine the remarkable and powerful prayer of this faithful and influential Old Testament servant of God.

People may say, "There are many great spiritual leaders throughout history, and many different religions in the world. What’s so special about Jesus Christ and Christianity?” You could simply reply, "The tomb is empty!" The Resurrection sets Jesus Christ apart from any other religious and spiritual leader in history, and sets Christianity apart from any other religion or system of spiritual beliefs.

You may know from history class that Custer made his last stand at the Battle of Little Big Horn. But today we will look at another Little Big Horn, in chapter 8 of Daniel. In his vision Daniel sees a little horn that grows big and powerful, and brings great distress to the people of God in the Promised Land. What is the meaning of this amazing vision of the little horn that grows in size and power?

Nature programs may show two rams or mountain goats violently clash horns and butt heads until one asserts his supremacy. Daniel’s continuing vision depicts one such battle in which the stakes are significantly higher. Daniel tells of a mighty ram with two horns, and his clash with a swift one-horned goat – and the outcome of this battle affects the entire world.

One consistent theme in apocalyptic biblical literature is Satan's relentless rebellion against God's Kingdom, using false prophets, false teachers, and the world's kingdoms as pawns in his cosmic treason. Thankfully, another consistent theme is the constant reminder that, no matter how badly things may seem to be going at any particular time in history, God ultimately wins.

You probably know of the famous Vietnam War movie “Apocalypse Now” – but today we will go back to the time of Daniel for a look at “Apocalypse Then.” Holy Scripture contains extraordinary examples of apocalyptic prophetic literature, and one of the most noteworthy is found in chapter 7 of the book of Daniel, describing his remarkable apocalyptic visions.

Daniel chapter 2 describes Nebuchadnezzar's vision of large statue of a man, comprised of four different metals from head to toe, that is smashed in pieces by a stone that grows into a mighty mountain. Chapter 7 tells of Daniel's vision of four great and terrible beasts that arise from the sea. What is the connection between these two amazing visions that may seem to have little in common?

A popular contemporary praise chorus declares, “He is exalted, the King Is exalted on High.” Indeed, the book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Therefore, we are to live every day with our hearts and minds fixed upon Jesus Christ, for He is our Risen Lord, Exalted King, and the author and perfecter of our faith.

The first six chapters of the book of Daniel relate his memoirs – highlights of a man of God's remarkable life from his youth to his 80's. But beginning in chapter 7, we move from Daniel's memorable memoirs, to the remarkable messages that he received from the Lord. What is the historical context in which Daniel received his first astounding vision – the vision of the four beasts?

You have probably known the story of Daniel in the lion's den since you were a child. But you may not realize that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are in much the same situation as Daniel was. The Bible declares that Satan prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour – and that someone may be you. Do you trust in the Lion of Judah to protect and deliver you?

After the fall of Babylon to the Medo-Persian empire, Daniel continued following the Lord and living as a loyal subject of the king. But his envious enemies devised a plan to use his steadfast faithful commitment and against him to get Daniel thrown into the den of lions. When you come under fire for your faith, are you like Daniel able to stand firm and steadfast in the Lord?

If you can “read the writing on the wall,” it means that you know what is going to happen by looking at present circumstances and factors. The origin of this familiar saying is found in Daniel chapter 5. King Balshazzar of Babylon literally could not read the writing on the wall – but Daniel could, and it meant the imminent overthrow of Babylon by the Medes and Persians.

A time of celebration can be ruined by party crashers and party poopers. With the army of the Medes and Persians closing in, King Belshazzar threw a party to lift the spirits of the Babylonians – but he didn't count on one remarkable party crasher and one noteworthy party pooper spoiling the festivities. Who were the party crasher and party pooper who truly made this a party to remember?

Many people feel rather ordinary, as though they are not gifted in any particular way. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he reminds us every Christian is truly gifted, because each of us is indwelt by the Holy Spirit and has been uniquely blessed with at least one spiritual gift.

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" – a biblical maxim clearly illustrated in the life of Nebuchadnezzar. This prideful, arrogant, self-exalting king received a dream picturing him as a mighty tree that God was ready to cut down to size – and he was struck with madness that made him act like an animal. Only then did he repent of his pride and trust in the One True God.

Even though King Nebuchadnezzar saw God powerfully work in the lives of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – and even in his own life, through them – he remained intoxicated with regal power and pride over his lofty position and abundant possessions. How did God transform this pompous pagan ruler into a contrite convert to the One true and living God?

We admire the courageous faithfulness to God demonstrated by Daniel in the lion’s den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. But such bold, steadfast commitment to the Lord in the face of death did not suddenly materialize in their moment of crisis – we see it taking root many years before, when they were four young men in the court of Nebuchadnezzar.

Believers are not to retreat into the safety of our Christian fortresses, insulated and isolated from the world. But as we go into the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must guard against the world getting into us and conforming us to its standards and values. How can believers live by faith, and live the life of faith, in the midst of an unbelieving and even hostile world and culture?