Today’s message about Daniel has two halves…

• The first half is directed at people who might not identify as Christian, and is discussing the question, "As an unbeliever, why should I welcome believers into my community?”
• The second half is directed at people who would identify as Christian, and is discussing the question, "As a believer, how do I live in this unbelieving world?”

I’d love to know which half interests you the most… let’s talk about it.

Daniel 1:1-7

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, 4 youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. 6 Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. 7 And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego.

For Adults Homes and Groups

As Pastor Chris discussed in the message, Christianity has resources that make life livable (listed below). Pastor Timothy Keller had a series titled “Questioning Christianity” that covered these topics specifically. In the series, Keller presented on the topic and then held a “Q&A” session, fielding inquiries from people who wanted to “question Christianity.” In your group this week, listen to the audio of one (or more) of these sessions at the following link and discuss what you heard: qcpodcast.gospelinlife.com

• Meaning and purpose (that is not artificially constructed)
• Identity (that doesn’t exclude others)
• Satisfaction (that is not based on circumstances)
• Hope (that death can’t take away)
• Justice (that does not create new oppressors)
• Morality (to which others can be obligated)

For Families with Kids

Memory Verse: “ He (God) delivers and rescues; He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth…” (Daniel 6:27)    

1. When Daniel faced the threat of lions, God protected Daniel and calmed his fears. God rescues us. When we face danger and are afraid, how does God keep us safe and help us stay strong?

2. When others are afraid how can we help them to be safe and calm their fears?

3. Pray together as a family for God to help you through something you might be facing this week that you’re worried about. “Cast all your anxiety on Him (God) because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)