Bold Obedience
Connection Points
Dr. Cole Phillips
June 8, 2025

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

Nebuchadnezzar commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind them and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace. And because the king demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. Daniel 3:19-22

1. The

Reveal Answer
Test: Know the right thing ahead of time.

“You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them.” Exodus 20:4-5

There is nothing but truth in your Word, and all of your righteous regulations endure forever. Psalm 119:160 (GW)

2. The

Reveal Answer
Test: Do the right thing all the time.

There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Psalm 106:3

This Week’s Power Verse:

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

3. The

Reveal Answer
Test: Have the right attitude with everyone.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

4. The

Reveal Answer
Test: Expect God to show up at the right time.

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” Daniel 3:25

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:7

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. Daniel 3:26

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Ministry Highlights

  • Kidz Faith Class- Buda

Kidz Faith is a FREE fun and interactive class for children 1st - 5th grade and their parents to help them understand how to grow in their faith. Parents will also receive tools and resources to help their kids grow as Christ-followers. Kidz Faith happens TODAY Sunday, June 8, 2025 in Buda @ 1:30pm. Lunch & childcare is provided. RSVP or get more info HERE!

  • Parent/Child Dedication

Child dedication is for parents who want to dedicate their child that is 5 or younger to The Lord and commit to raising them to live according to God’s Word. A parent child dedication meeting is required for all parents who would like to participate in the child dedication. The class will be TODAY Sunday, June 8th at 1:30pm in Buda and Thursday, June 12th at 6:30pm in San Marcos. The dedication ceremony will be Father’s Day, June 15th at all services.

Buda Campus June 8th: RSVP for the Buda class HERE

San Marcos Campus June 12th: RSVP for the San Marcos class HERE

CONNECTION GROUP DISCUSSION:

Break the Ice:
Share a time when you had to make a difficult decision to stand up for what you believed was right. What was the outcome?

Key Takeaways:
1. Bold obedience requires knowing what’s right before facing challenges.
2. Courage is necessary to consistently do the right thing, regardless of the consequences.
3. Our attitude matters - we should act with love and compassion, even when standing firm.
4. We can have confidence that God will be with us in difficult times.

Talk it Out:

  1. The Conviction Test:

    • How can we develop strong convictions based on God’s Word?
    • Why is it important to know what we believe before facing difficult situations?

  2. The Courage Test:

    • What are some common excuses we make to avoid doing the right thing?
    • How can we cultivate courage to stand firm in our beliefs?

  3. The Compassion Test:

    • How can we balance standing for truth while still showing love and compassion?
    • What’s the difference between being persecuted for faith versus being difficult to work with?

  4. The Confidence Test:

    • How does knowing God is with us in trials affect our ability to face challenges?
    • Share a time when you felt God’s presence during a difficult situation.

  5. Reflecting on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego:

    • What impresses you most about their response to King Nebuchadnezzar?
    • How might their story inspire us in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

  1. Identify an area where you need to develop stronger convictions. Commit to studying what God’s Word says about that topic.

  2. Think of a situation where you’ve been compromising. Make a plan to “do the right thing” this week, even if it’s difficult.

  3. Practice speaking truth with love. Try talking through a challenging conversation with a group member, focusing on maintaining both conviction and compassion.

  4. Start a “God Sightings” journal to record times when you see God working in your life, especially during trials.

  5. Memorize this week’s power verse: Hebrews 13:6 - “So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’”

Closing Prayer:
Lord, give us the conviction to know what’s right, the courage to do what’s right, the compassion to treat others with love, and the confidence to trust You in all circumstances. Help us to be bold in our obedience to You. Amen.