Illuminate Community Church

8/11/24 - 70 Weeks Foretold - Daniel 9:19-27 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In the first half of Daniel chapter 9, we witness the prophet Daniel praying with a tear-stained face and a heart weighed down by sorrow. His prayer is a heartfelt plea, one that ends abruptly as he calls out to God:

"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." (Daniel 9:19)

But before Daniel can even finish, God answers swiftly and unmistakably:

"While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice." (Daniel 9:20-21)

We never need to wonder if God hears our prayers. Consider the words of Jeremiah: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

Seeking God with all your heart means desiring what God desires for you. John echoes this sentiment: "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15) Notice the key phrase, “according to His will.”

This should guide every prayer we make. True prayer is the bending of our will to align with God’s, trusting that He knows what is best and is working all things according to His plan. If God granted us everything we asked for, we would be like spoiled children—immature, demanding, and lacking in the deeper maturity that comes through trials. It is in our times of need that we are drawn closest to God, finding growth in the very pains we seek to avoid.

Daniel’s heart was aligned with the will of God, and what follows is a powerful confirmation of that alignment. Gabriel continues:

"He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, ‘O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.’" (Daniel 9:22-23)

Daniel receives two profound messages:

1. He is about to gain insight and understanding into future events.
2. He is greatly loved by God.

As a prophet, Daniel often faced hostility because he stood against the prevailing cultural norms, calling people back from their sins. Prophets were frequently marginalized or even killed for their message. In this context, Daniel needed to know that God was with him, that he was loved. This assurance wasn’t just for Daniel; it’s a promise we can cling to today. So, don’t hesitate to follow Daniel’s example—pursue righteousness with confidence, knowing that God’s love is steadfast and unwavering.

8/4/24 - Serve One Another - 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday, I will be stepping out of Daniel and giving an update on our expansion plans. We are nearing the start of construction, and I want us to envision what will be included in the new Worship Center and the upstairs space. This time each year, by God’s grace, we experience growth, and for this reason, it's vital for more people to engage in the life of the church through service. As 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us, each of us has received gifts to serve one another, being good stewards of God's varied grace.

Serving within the church can be challenging!

 

It usually cost us something and that’s why it requires strength that only God can provide. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, promising that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Serving is akin to farming, involving hard work, patience, and trust in God's supernatural work. Jesus emphasized the importance of service in Matthew 6, highlighting that acts of service done in secret are seen and rewarded by God. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us that whatever we do should be done heartily for the Lord, knowing that our reward comes from Him.

 

We are created by God for good works, as stated in Ephesians 2:10, and each act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God's kingdom. Jesus exemplified this by serving others, even washing His disciples' feet as an act of humility and love. Of course this was the precursor to his sacrificial death - the greatest act of service one can perform! Our challenge is to recognize that every member of the church is needed to build up the body of Christ. I’m here to tell you - we need you! As we continue with our expansion, let's focus on strengthening our community through dedicated service, knowing that each of us plays a vital role in fulfilling our divine purpose.

 

According to Jesus, serving is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk. As we go about our daily lives, let’s remember that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Let’s seek out opportunities to serve our brothers and sisters, knowing that each act of service reflects God’s love and brings us closer to fulfilling God’s purposes through us. Each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to contribute to the church's growth and maturity. When we serve, we strengthen the community, foster unity, and help others grow in their faith. As we move forward with our expansion, let’s remember that it’s not just about the physical building but about building up the body of Christ through our dedicated service to one another!

7/28/24 - Confess, Ask, Expect - Daniel 9:1-21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This Sunday, we will delve into Daniel 9, splitting this chapter into two parts. In two weeks, we will cover the second part, which contains one of the most significant prophecies in the entire Bible. This week, we will focus on the first half, where we find Daniel’s remarkable prayer.

 

By this time, Daniel was over 80 years old and had endured many trials in Babylonian captivity. Throughout all these challenges, he has consistently placed his trust in God and remained faithful. Daniel’s heart and mind have always been set on his homeland despite being taken from Jerusalem as a teenager. Living in Babylon, he lived for Jerusalem, never ceasing to think about the holy city, which had been the center of worship for God’s people for centuries.

 

Daniel spends time reading the scroll of the prophet Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet" for his prophecies about the future devastations awaiting Israel. Jeremiah had foretold the destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness to God. However, he also prophesied that this desolation would last for 70 years. Now, in 538 BC, roughly 67 years have passed since Jerusalem's destruction in 605 BC. The time for its restoration is near.

 

Motivated by Jeremiah’s prophecy, Daniel prays fervently, asking God to bring about this promised restoration. This section of Daniel 9, particularly the first 19 verses, demonstrates the incredible power of prayer in accomplishing God’s will. Daniel’s example shows us how to call upon God’s power.

 

Confess

Verses 4-5:

"I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.'"

 

Ask

Verse 19:

"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."

 

Expect

Verses 20-21:

"While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice."

 

Let us pray boldly, church. Confess, ask God to act and expect Him to answer.

7/21/24 - The Bold Faced Man - Daniel 8 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In Daniel chapter 8, the prophet recounts a vision he had in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, finding himself beside the Ulai Canal in Susa. Brace yourself.

In the vision, Daniel witnesses a powerful ram with two horns, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, which is eventually overcome by a swift goat with a notable horn, representing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. (Horns signify strength, if you remember from last Sunday.) The goat's horn is removed at its zenith, replaced by four horns signifying the division of Alexander's empire among his generals. From one of these horns emerges a small yet formidable horn, symbolizing a future king who will wreak havoc, particularly against the holy people and their sanctuary. He will desecrate the sanctuary and halt daily sacrifices for 2,300 evenings and mornings until its purification. Thankfully, the angel Gabriel clarifies the vision for Daniel, confirming the identities of the ram and goat and detailing the rise and fall of the fierce king represented by the little horn. Daniel is deeply disturbed and exhausted by the vision's grave implications for his people.

 

Ever wondered if you can trust the Bible? Wonder no more. The prophecies in chapter 8 have been remarkably fulfilled, centuries ahead of their time. While there are future prophecies yet to be fulfilled, such as the return of Jesus, rest assured—God will see through what He has set in motion. The call is to prepare to meet Him by accepting Jesus, who alone forgives sins.

 

Do you question if God is truly in control? Daniel speaks of events happening "at the appointed time," a phrase seen throughout the Bible describing God's sovereign orchestration of history and the future. Everything rests in His hands. God has determined your birth and your appointed time to depart this world. Make the most of your time and devote your life in service to God, as Daniel did.

 

Have you ever wondered, "How should we live?" The spirit of antichrist seeks to "cast truth to the ground," a description fitting our times where postmodern thought denies the existence of truth. God's truth, affirmed by Jesus as liberating, has been rejected, plunging the world into chaos. Paul reminds us that those who reject truth do so because they refuse to embrace it morally. It's not just an intellectual stance but a rejection rooted in personal worldview. The Bible teaches that we reap what we sow—both for good and for ill. What is your source of truth, and why?

7/14/24 - The Four Beasts - Daniel 7 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Prepare yourself for some intense imagery from the book of Daniel! Starting in chapter 7, the nature of this profound work shifts dramatically. The text transitions from Aramaic to Hebrew, marking the onset of several visions granted to Daniel. These visions unveil God’s cataclysmic plans for the nations. Yet, the most harrowing times are still ahead for the faithful. Daniel contemplates these revelations and reacts:

 

“As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.” Daniel 7:15

 

Daniel's alarm stems from a vision of an apocalyptic future depicted by four beasts, symbolizing four malevolent kingdoms, each more powerful than the last, with the fourth being absolutely terrifying. This kingdom ushers in an era of unprecedented persecution for Jesus's followers. However, just when all hope seems lost, Daniel witnesses the rise of a fifth and final kingdom. This divine kingdom, bestowed upon Jesus and inhabited by God's “holy ones” from every nation, signifies the presence of God among His people, who worship around His throne.

 

So why is Daniel distressed? Because war is waged against the saints, and God does not immediately deliver His people. This unsettled Daniel deeply, and it should unsettle us too. There will be a period of intense, Satanically-inspired persecution, during which many of God's people will endure severe suffering. This is the reality for some believers today. In 2023, over 8,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria alone (according to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law).

 

This brings us to the age-old questions: If God can deliver His people, why doesn't He? If He can prevent suffering, why does He allow it? The problem of moral evil is unavoidable. How does Daniel respond to this dilemma? He highlights three key points:

 

There will be a judgment.

The Son of Man will come and set all things right.

The saints will receive the kingdom.

 

Mother Teresa often whispered a simple phrase to each orphan as she tucked them into bed at night, “There will be a better day child.” This embodies the hope cherished by all who call upon the name of Jesus.

7/7/24 - In the Lion's Den - Daniel 6 - Pastor Jason Fritz

When my kids were little they loved visiting the zoo and especially the lions. Most of the time they were laying around with no worries knowing they were apex predators. From a distance they seemed harmless. However, when the male wanted to make himself known, you could hear him roar from anywhere in the park. Imagine Daniel, an octogenarian, thrust into the midst of these powerful animals, with nowhere to conceal himself. I’ve had some pretty bad days at work but nothing like this! However, Daniel knew no crisis because he believed in the sovereignty of God. 

 

Framed by his adversaries and poised to face unjust consequences, conventional wisdom might dictate Daniel to seek refuge in the king's court, pleading his innocence and declaring, “I’m being set up!” Instead, he does what he knows so well. He talks to God. We don’t know exactly what Daniel prayed for but we do know he gave thanks. There’s a great lesson in this for us. What do you do when faced with an anxiety-inducing circumstance? The lyrics to “Ain’t No Grave” ring true: "Fear is a tyrant, he's always telling me to run.” Daniel runs in the right direction - into the arms of God in prayer. 

 

John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” There can be no courage unless you are afraid. Are you a fearful person? Consider this: What fears are you yielding to and what have you forgotten about God? The writer of Hebrews gives us this reassurance from the creator of heaven and earth, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you, so that we can confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper, I will not be afraid, What shall men do to me?” The most often repeated command in the Bible is, "Do not fear.” Fear will neutralize you and keep you from trusting in God. The lion’s den serves as a poignant reminder that courage is not the absence of fear but rather fear that has been surrendered in prayer.

6/30/24 - The Handwriting On The Wall - Daniel 5 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Many are acquainted with the phrase "He couldn’t see the handwriting on the wall," often unaware of its origins in Daniel chapter 5. Here, during King Belshazzar’s extravagant feast, his arrogance invites God's judgment, marked by a mysterious inscription on the palace wall.

 

As the soiree persists, the Persians encircle Babylon. Did Belshazzar grasp the imminent danger? It seems likely, given the formidable size of the amassed army. So why indulge in revelry while the enemy lurks at the gates? Perhaps he deemed Babylon impregnable—a notion well reasoned considering its colossal walls. The remnants are still visible today in modern Iraq. Some historians doubted the city could fall in a single night, yet the ancitent historian Herodotus recounts the Persians' ingenious tactic: diverting the Euphrates to infiltrate Babylon through its waterways, swiftly seizing the city. At Belshazzar's feast, the glow of the lampstand dims as he retreats into the darkness of his final night. Belshazzar met his end, and Darius the Mede ascended to power. (Daniel 5:30-31)

God's mode of communication reveals a recurring pattern. Some 550 years later, Jesus faces a similar test of power. Confronted by accusers wielding the law against a woman caught in adultery, Jesus challenges the judgmental hearts of those present. Stooping to write in the dirt, his message brings conviction, driving away the self-righteous.

Similarly, God's hand continues to write upon our hearts today, calling us to faith, exposing our sins, and urging repentance. Most profoundly, those very hands were later extended on a cross, offering forgiveness and eternal life. Belshazzar's tale serves as a stark reminder: arrogance invites downfall and disobedience leads to ruin.

 

As Christians, we carry the light of God's Son within us. Let us therefore represent him faithfully, interpreting rather than receiving the handwriting on the wall, just as Daniel did.

6/23/24 - Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony - Daniel 4 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Imagine this: In the midst of darkness filled with late-night indulgences, Nebuchadnezzar finds himself in a dream unlike any other. Instead of the typical fast food inspired visions before bedtime, he encounters a divine revelation. Within his slumber, he sees a magnificent tree, towering and strong, providing food, shelter, and shade to all. As he marvels at this natural wonder, a heavenly voice is heard, commanding it to be chopped down, leaving only a stump. Additionally, he learns that for seven years, a ruler shall dwell as a beast of the wild.

 

Perplexed by the vision, Nebuchadnezzar turns to the counsel of Daniel, who, upon hearing the details, recognizes its meaning immediately. The majestic tree symbolizes none other than Nebuchadnezzar himself. The interpretation is clear: unless he renounces his sin, shows compassion, and embraces humility, his reign shall come to an end in a very unwelcomed way.

 

Though granted a year of God’s divine patience, Nebuchadnezzar remains stubborn. So, as prophesied, his mind succumbs to a seven-year fog and his body lives as an animal in the wilderness.

 

Proverbs reminds us that the king's heart is but clay in the Potter’s hands. When the fog lifts, Nebuchadnezzar's heart swells with gratitude, humbled by the revelation of his rightful place. He worships God.

 

Tim Keller articulates humility as "The blessed rest of self-forgetfulness.” This is a great explanation of the joy that comes from being liberated out of the pit of self-absorption. Rather than obsessing over our own perceptions or those of others, we live in the truth of our identity in Christ. Only when we empty ourselves can we be filled with God.

6/16/24 - Spiritual Fathers - 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Happy Father's Day Dads!

This Sunday, we celebrate the profound privilege and responsibility of being a father. For many, their fathers served as admirable examples, while others may have had different experiences. In today's world, there's often confusion about what it truly means to be a good dad. However, God’s wisdom awaits us in the Bible. This Sunday, we will explore how the apostle Paul considered himself a spiritual father to the believers in the Corinthian church. Paul played a crucial role in their journey to Christ, as he was the one who brought the gospel to them. Unfortunately, a few years later some of them were struggling in their faith. Like a devoted father, Paul's primary concern was their spiritual well-being, and he spoke to them with genuine care and love:

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15

In this verse, the Greek word for "guide" refers to a paid servant who looked after children. These guides were involved in the children's lives for personal gain. Paul contrasts these guides with himself, emphasizing that while there are many who will deliver a message with selfish motives, he, as their spirutal father, acted selflessly. His guidance was rooted in genuine love and concern, making him trustworthy.

Paul's tool for guiding the Corinthians was the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a powerful reminder that we should be bringing that same gospel into the lives of those around us. Fathers, our primary focus should be on Jesus, always aiming to point our children to Him. It's easy to fall into the trap of moralism, where we focus on our children's behavior and want them to simply "act right." However, our goal should be to consistently direct them towards Christ, fostering a deep, genuine relationship with Him and consistently modeling this ourselves.

6/9/24 - Faith Under Fire - Daniel 3 - Pastor Jason Fritz

If you've been immersed in church culture, the narrative from Daniel chapter three is likely etched in your memory. It recounts the unwavering faith of three young men in the face of adversity. It's a story that challenges us to reflect on our own daily choices.

What—or whom—are we truly worshiping?

This question holds profound significance because what we worship shapes our lives. Worship, at its core, is about assigning ultimate worth to someone or something. In essence, we are all worshipers, directing our deepest devotion towards various objects or ideals.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response to King Nebuchadnezzar is a testament to their unwavering faith: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

Their response exemplifies a rare blend of respect and noncompliance. While acknowledging the king's authority, they place their trust firmly in God. Crucially, they refrain from presuming how God will act. Their stance is clear: "God can save us, but even if He chooses not to, our allegiance to Him remains unwavering."

This encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: the confidence to proclaim, "I know my God is able to deliver me," coupled with the submission and humility to declare, "Yet even if He does not, I will still trust in Him." It echoes the resolve of Job, who said, "Though he slay me, I will hope in him," and reflects the attitude of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Not my will, but yours."

As Max Lucado poignantly puts it, "Sometimes God chooses to calm the storm, but if he doesn’t, he is always there to calm his children in the midst of the storm."

 

While most Christians affirm God's omnipotence, fewer embody a willingness to align their will with His. God isn't a celestial wish-granter or a lucky charm. He is the sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and Orchestrator of all existence. If Genesis 1:1 is true, then everything rests in His hands. And if the resurrection of Jesus is a reality, then we can rest assured—whether in life or in death—God has us covered.