Exiles: Christians in Culture
Daniel
Exiles in a Foreign Land (Daniel 1:1-7)
January 3, 2021
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: What role did God play in Daniel's exile? How does the answer inform your life as an exile? Why was Daniel (and his three friends) given a new name? What did the new name signify? In what ways do you feel like a foreigner in this culture? How does that affect Christianity? What pressure does the culture put on your Christian worldview? What does it costs you to resist secular thinking?
Daniel's Vision of the End (Daniel 11:36-12:13)
March 28, 2021
APPLICATION QUESTIONS: How will the future world-dominating leader act towards God and God's people? What is the answer to the question in Daniel 12:6, "How long shall it be till the end of these wonders?" What is the "time of the end" in Daniel's final vision (Daniel 10-12)? How was Daniel instructed to live after receiving the vision of the end? How should you live in a similar way?
Daniel's Vision of the Future (Daniel 10:1-11:35)
March 21, 2021
What role did angels play in answering Daniel's prayer? What are angels according to Hebrews 1:14 and how do they operate according to God's will? Daniel 11:32 predicts, "The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." What does this mean for Christians who live by conviction today? What area of your life requires the most perseverance? What future promises about God's Kingdom and eternity give you hope today? What affect did the vision have on Daniel? How serious and sincerely should Christians respond to reading the prophecy of Daniel and Revelation today?
Daniel's Prayer for the Nation (Daniel 9:1-27)
March 14, 2021
Application Questions: Do you pray before big decisions? How has prayer shaped your life? Should a Christian pray for America like Daniel prayed for Israel? According to Daniel's prayer, what is repentance (Daniel 9:13)? How will repentance be visible to others? What is your view of Daniel's 70 Weeks (Daniel 9:24-27) and its significance to future events?
Daniel's Vision of Two Beasts (Daniel 8:1-27)
March 7, 2021
👋🏾 Welcome to church online! Watching on Facebook? Say, "Hello" and let's meet others who are watching. 📖 Today's Message: Daniel's Vision of Two Beasts (Daniel 8:1-27) with Pastor Michael Wilburn 🤝 If you’re new to Immanuel, please take a moment to tell us about yourself through our online connect card. We would love to connect with you this week! » http://ibcrichmond.org/connect-card/ 📱You can also download our Free app — which makes learning more or watching services even easier. » https://subsplash.com/immanuelbaptist/app 🏘 If you would like to join a Community Group, meeting monthly in homes throughout Richmond, VA (some on zoom), visit: http://ibcrichmond.org/community-groups/ 💻 You can learn more about us anytime at: http://ibcrichmond.org 🌾 Giving remains available online. Thank you for your faithfulness, church family! » http://ibcrichmond.org/give
Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts (Daniel 7:1-28)
February 28, 2021
Application Questions: Who are the saints of the Most High referred to in Daniel 7? Should Daniel's dream be interpreted with historical meaning? If so, what historical kingdoms do the four beasts represent? What role do saints (believers) play in the kingdom of the Most High? Who is the "Ancient of Days" (vs. 13)? What will be his role in the kingdom? When will his kingdom come?
Daniel and the Lion's Den (Daniel 6:1-28)
February 21, 2021
Application Questions: Why are the words "as he had done previous" (Daniel 6:10) crucial to the story of Daniel and the lion's den? What do you learn from the king's regret, the "law of the Medes and Persians," and the limitations of government? Would it change your opinion of God if the lions ate Daniel and the accusers went unpunished? Why or why not? Can Daniel 6:5 be said of you? Can it be said of you under criticism and accusation?
God Dethrones the King (Daniel 5:1-31)
February 14, 2021
APPLICATION QUESTIONS What similarities and difference between Daniel and the king do you notice in the story? Who has true authority? Where does true authority come from? Why did the king call for the dinnerware from Jerusalem? Was it a functional or symbolic gesture? How are humility and honor interconnected in Daniel 5:22-23? What steps should you take to express both humility and honor to God? Why are many social and moral evils generational (i.e. alcoholism, abuse, poverty, etc.)? Does Belshazzar’s story give us insight into breaking systemic sins?
God Disciplines the King (Daniel 4:1-37)
February 7, 2021
Application Questions: Interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream. What benefits would a regular citizen have in Babylon under the king's reign? What principles found in Daniel 4:27 apply to government today? What similar legislation can a Christian support on a city, state, and federal level? How did God humble the king of Babylon? What did Nebuchadnezzar lose? What distinguishes humanity from animals? Did Nebuchadnezzar turn to God? What evidences of salvation should you expect in your life?
The King's Golden Image (Daniel 3:1-30)
January 31, 2021
Why did Nebuchadnezzar create a test of allegiance? What was his goal? Are similar goals present in your culture? What was the purpose for the threat of fire and coercion of music? Can you identify positive and negative cultural forces shaping your values? Is it sinful to fake public allegiance, while privately holding opposing views? Does Christianity require a public profession of faith? Who was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire? What benefit is God's presence with his people? Has God promised to be with a Christian today?
The King's Dream Image (Daniel 2:1-49)
January 24, 2021
Application Questions: Does God speak through dreams today? If so, will God reveal anything different from his Word? Why did Daniel say, "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon" (Daniel 2:24)? Wouldn't political reprisal be warranted? How does Daniel's action change the way you see politics? What does the story of Daniel's interpretation of the king's image teach you about prayer? Read Daniel 2:44. Whose kingdom is this? When will the kingdom begin?
Exiles with a Foreign Education (Daniel 1:17-21)
January 17, 2021
Application Questions: Who were the "magicians and enchanters" in Babylon? What was their responsibility to the king? What does the story teach you about education and learning? What principles apply to how you personally learn and grow? How important is excellence for a Christian living in a secular culture? When are you evaluated at work, school, etc.? How does Daniel's example help you prepare for evaluations?
Exiles with a Foreign Diet (Daniel 1:8-16)
January 10, 2021
Application Questions: What was wrong with the king's meat and wine? What applications can be made to the Christian life? How important is diet and physical health to the Christian life? How does Daniel's vegan died inform your answer? Does God care about your physical appearance? Is physical appearance, dress, style, etc. a moral and spiritual issue in your circumstance? What modern moral dilemmas warrant a third-way approach?