The Writing on the Wall

Daniel: Faith Under Pressure

By Rev. David Bonnema, August 24, 2025

9:30am

Prelude - “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Opening Song - “This is Amazing Grace” - -Makenzie Payne

Time of Greeting

Children’s Time

Song - “Revelation Song”

Reflection on Signs from God - Rick Ayers

Song - “Only King Forever”

Sermon - “The Writing on the Wall”

Have you ever ignored a warning sign? What was the outcome?

In our story, Daniel is years old and serves under King Belshazzar.

As they drank the wine, they praised the of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. —Daniel 5:4

What stands out to you about the Rembrandt painting?

God’s message: King Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before me. King Belshazzar has not.

What areas of your life is the feeling of conviction trying to get your attention?

Mene: relates to the verb .
Tekel: relates to the verb weighed
Parsin: relates to the verb divided

God is still speaking— the writing is on the wall.

Offering and Prayer

Song - “I Will Follow”

Benediction


11:00am

Prelude - “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” - Jeff Perks

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Call to Worship - Rick Ayers

  • Leader: We gather in the presence of our powerful God;
  • People: The Lord is the ruler of heaven and earth.
  • Leader: We come to listen, to learn, and to live in God’s ways.
  • People: For God speaks truth, and God’s word endures forever.
  • Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord who writes His way on every heart.
  • People: We worship the God whose authority stands for all generations!

Hymn - “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” - #142 Verses 1, 3, 4

Prayer of Confession:
Eternal God, we know You are sovereign over every time and place, yet we often live as if our own knowledge is enough. We trust in our own strength, build our own kingdoms, and ignore the signs You place before us. Forgive us when pride blinds us to Your truth. Forgive us when comfort keeps us from working in Your kingdom. Write Your word clearly on our hearts so we may live by Your will and walk in Your ways, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness

Passing of the Peace

Reflection on Signs from God

Anthem - “Awesome God” (Moore) - Unity Choir

Sermon - “The Writing on the Wall” - Rev. David Bonnema

Have you ever ignored a warning sign? What was the outcome?

In our story, Daniel is years old and serves under King Belshazzar.

As they drank the wine, they praised the of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. —Daniel 5:4

What stands out to you about the Rembrandt painting?

God’s message: King Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself before me. King Belshazzar has not.

What areas of your life is the feeling of conviction trying to get your attention?

Mene: relates to the verb .
Tekel: relates to the verb weighed
Parsin: relates to the verb divided

God is still speaking— the writing is on the wall.

Anthem - “Mighty God” (Mauldin) - Unity Choir

Offering and Prayer of Thanksgiving

Doxology

Affirmation of Faith - The Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Hymn - “Majesty” - see screen

Benediction

Postlude