The Vessels Were Carried Away (Dan. 1:2)

Read Dan. 1:1-2.

A "vessel" was something that assisted in worshiping the true God.  Solomon, king of Israel, made vessels of gold for the temple (1 Kin. 7:50-51).  Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, carried away these vessels.

What are some of the "vessels" we've allowed worldly culture to carry away? 

• Prayer.  Put prayer meetings on your calendar, but don't attend.  If you do go to prayer meeting or to the altar, stay long enough to appear spiritual but not long enough to see change in your life.  Whatever you do, don't pray out loud or get "emotional."
• Fasting.  This is a good idea but always find an excuse not to participate.
• Witnessing.  Don't tell someone else what's good for him.  It works for you and that's fine, but it's not your place to push your belief on anyone else.
• Services other than Sunday morning.  One service per week is enough.  Twenty-first-century Christians know you go to church Sunday morning and then take the rest of the day to do what you want.  Use the words "family" or "work" consistently and everyone buys your excuses.  Spiritualize your absences with the phrase "God understands my situation."
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  Don't say it's unbiblical, just don't pursue it with the aggression you once did.  If you've had this glorious experience, don't get too excited.  Keep it quiet.  Continue to entertain the thought it might not be necessary for today.  Whatever you do, pastor, don't mention this unless it's Pentecost Sunday.  (I won't be here that day, so you're okay.)

Without these things worship is weakened, testimony is compromised and impact is minimized.  Resist the pull by the masses.  Think differently on these 5 things.  Think biblically.