Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
March 27, 2016

The Courage to Go Against the Crowd
by Bryan Gibson
It must have been a sight to behold—a gold image that stretched 90 feet into the air. King Nebuchadnezzar was proud of his handiwork, and so he invited officials from throughout his kingdom to come to a dedication ceremony (Daniel 3:1-2). They all gathered in front of the image, and the following announcement was made: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:3-6). Put that kind of incentive before people, and you can understand what happened next. When the band played, everyone fell down and worshiped the image (Daniel 3:7).
Well, almost everyone! Three of the king’s officials—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refused to worship the image. Never mind that this order came from the king, and never mind that everyone else was doing it, and never mind that they would be tossed alive into a fiery furnace. They were determined to do right, no matter what price they had to pay (Daniel 3:12). God said to worship Him and Him alone, and that’s what they were determined to do.
Speaking of the king, he was incensed when he found out. Daniel 3:13 says that “Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego” (Daniel 3:13). It would have been easy for them to waver at this point, but when the king offered them a second chance, and once again announced the punishment if they didn’t comply, this is what they had to say: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18). In other words, “Our mind is made up—whether God chooses to save us or not. We will not worship this image, or any of your other gods.” So much for waffling before the king.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—let’s remember those three names and the courage and conviction they displayed. We will all face situations where their example may just give us the courage to do the right thing. If these three men were alive today, this is what they would say: Do the right thing, no matter how much pressure there may be to do otherwise. Do the right thing, even if you’re the only one courageous enough to do it. Do the right thing, no matter what the earthly consequences may be.
Local Churches in the New Testament—Examples for Us to Follow Today?
You better believe it, and here's why:
They operated under the direction of the apostles (the ambassadors of the King), and those on whom the apostles laid their hands to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18).
They were taught from the beginning to continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, doctrine which obviously came from the Lord (Acts 2:42).
The same thing was taught in every church (1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17), and what they were taught were the commandments of the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37).
What they did, then, in obedience to the Lord is what we must do today.
Consider carefully what Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica: “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe" (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7). Because they were following the Lord, they became examples—not just to those of their own generation, but also to us today.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.