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We find ourselves in a changing, increasingly secular culture that demands our attention and our absolute allegiance. And we can sense the winds of local and even global change as technology develops at breakneck speed, disease impacts our lives, and old divisions and conflict around the world threaten our sense of peace. So, what should we do? How should we live in such secular and uncertain times? Well, let’s learn from Daniel, an Old Testament prophet and statesmen who prayed for and provided wisdom to at least four kings in two competing and diverse empires and pointed them all to the one, true and eternal king. Here’s the Daniel Manuel for living in such a time as this.
Some of you may be thinking: “Daniel again?” Daniel is certainly a story both ancient (in the sense that Daniel lived around 2600 years ago) and old (in the sense that most Christians have heard this story many times). But, we often study about half the book, and the speed of cultural change means that fresh application from even the most well-known stories. As we have prayed over this study, we believe there is something deep and profound about these stories of God-given courage and wisdom that we need now.
In sum, this is part 1 of a chapter-by-chapter study of the book of Daniel. In part 1, we will set the stage for the book of Daniel and focus in on Chapter 2. If you missed our deep dive into Chapters 1 and 3, you can access that here in a sermon titled, “How to Get Fired in Babylon.”
Key Takeaways:
- The self-coronation of Napoleon and its application to today.
- The grand story of the nation of Israel and what the fall of Jerusalem meant for that story.
- The reach of the Babylonian empire and the rise and religious beliefs of Nebuchadnezzar.
- Archaeological evidence for the fall of Jerusalem and the reign of Nebuchadnezzar.
- The famous dream, its interpretation, and how the book of Daniel points to King Jesus.
- The grand theme of the book of Daniel.
- The fact that Daniel was Daniel because he was a disciple.