Daniel in the Lion's Den
Daniel disobeyed King Darius’ decree that no one could pray to any god or human for 30 days, except to the king otherwise will be thrown into the pit of the lions.
“The men who had spoken to the king watched Daniel and saw him praying to his God for help. They went back to the king and said, ‘Didn’t you make a law that forbids anyone to pray to any god or human except you for the next 30 days? And doesn’t the law say that everyone who disobeys it will be thrown into a pit of lions?
“”Yes, that’s the law I made,’ the king agreed. ‘And just like all written laws of the Medes and Persians, it cannot be changed’.”(Daniel 6:11-12, Contemporary English Version)
DARIUS DIVIDED HIS kingdom into 120 states and placed a governor in charge of each one. In order to make sure that his government was run properly, Darius put three other officials in charge of the governors. One of these officials was Daniel. And he did his work so much better than the other governors and officials that the king decided to let him govern the whole kingdom.
The other men tried to find something wrong with the way Daniel did his work for the king. But they could not accuse him of anything wrong, because he was honest and faithful and did everything he was supposed to do. Finally, they said to one another, “We will never be able to bring any charge against Daniel, unless it has to do with his religion.”
They all went to the king and said:
“Your Majesty, we hope you live forever! All of your officials, leaders, advisors, and governors agree that you should make a law forbidding anyone to pray to any god or human except you for the next 30 days. Everyone who disobeys this law must be thrown into a pit of lions. Order this to be written and then sign it, so it cannot be changed, just as no written law of the Medes and Persians can be changed.”
So King Darius made the law and had it written down.
DANIEL IN THE LIONS’ DEN
Daniel heard about the law, but when he returned home, he went upstairs and prayed in front of the window that faced Jerusalem. In the same way that he had always done, he knelt down in prayer three times a day, giving thanks to God.
The men who had spoken to the king watched Daniel and saw him praying to his God for help. They went back to the king and said, “Didn’t you make a law that forbids anyone to pray to any god or human except you for the next 30 days? And doesn’t the law say that everyone who disobeys it will be thrown into a pit of lions?”
“Yes, that’s the law I made,” the king agreed. “And just like all written laws of the Medes and Persians, it cannot be changed.”
The men then told the king, “That Jew named Daniel, who was brought here as a captive, refuses to obey you or the law that you ordered to be written. And he still prays to his god three times a day.” The king was really upset to hear about this, and for the rest of the day he tried to think how he could save Daniel.
At sunset the men returned and said, “Your Majesty, remember that no written law of the Medes and Persians can be changed, not even by the king.”
So Darius ordered Daniel to be brought out and thrown into a pit of lions. But he said to Daniel, “You have been faithful to your God, and I pray that he will rescue you.”
A stone was rolled over the pit, and it was sealed. Then Darius and his officials stamped the seal to show that no one should let Daniel out. All night long the king could not sleep. He did not eat anything, and he would not let anyone come in to entertain him.
DANIEL SAVED FROM THE LIONS
At daybreak the king got up and ran to the pit. 20 He was anxious and shouted, “Daniel, you were faithful and served your God. Was he able to save you from the lions?”
Daniel answered, “Your Majesty, I hope you live forever! My God knew that I was innocent, and he sent an angel to keep the lions from eating me. Your Majesty, I have never done anything to hurt you.”
The king was relieved to hear Daniel’s voice, and he gave orders for him to be taken out of the pit. Daniel’s faith in his God had kept him from being harmed.
DARIUS HONORS GOD
And the king ordered the men who had brought charges against Daniel to be thrown into the pit, together with their wives and children. But before they even reached the bottom, the lions ripped them to pieces.
King Darius then sent this message to all people of every nation and race in the world:
“Greetings to all of you! I command everyone in my kingdom to worship and honor the God of Daniel. He is the living God, the one who lives forever. His power and his kingdom will never end. He rescues people and sets them free by working great miracles. Daniel’s God has rescued him from the power of the lions.”
All went well for Daniel while Darius was king, and even when Cyrus the Persian ruled.
(Quoted from Daniel 6:1-23, Contemporary English Version, Emphasis added)
IN CONCLUSION
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WE KINDLY EXTEND our visitors an invitation to explore the pristine, unadulterated teachings of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) as they were taught by Christ and His apostles in the first-century Church Of Christ. Learn the truth about the One and ONLY True God — The Father, and “…the simplicity that is in Christ” (II Cor. 11:3), His Son. These teachings presented here are the path that leads to eternal life for all on that appointed day of Judgment:
Our 'Fundamental Beliefs'
WITH THE AIM of aiding others in achieving a more comprehensive understanding of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, a series of readings has been developed. These readings encompass a range of significant topics, from the nature and work of Christ to apostasy. We encourage all those who are curious or in search of truth to engage with these articles. They are designed to encapsulate the comprehensive doctrines and beliefs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
BIBLE STORIES
Through the Bible, we learn how God wants us to live and serve Him. Here, you will find many exciting and interesting stories to choose from. As each story unfolds, you will see the splendor in God’s character, love and compassion for his creation, His hate for sin and the punishment that follows it, and many other adventurous stories designed for people who thirst for His love, guidance, and ultimately salvation.
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If you wish to acquire a deeper understanding of our Church Doctrines and have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be delighted to direct you to one of our local resident ministers in your vicinity. Kindly include any queries you may have so that we may forward your inquiry in advance. Thank you.
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“Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].”
(Eph. 4:29, Amplified Bible)
“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Amplified Bible)