Thriving in a Hostile Culture

Do you feel like it’s becoming harder and harder to be a Christian today? How should we live out our faith when we could be ridiculed and persecuted? As we finish our series in Daniel, Chase Gardner, our Teaching Pastor, will help us to face our circumstances with humility and courage in a hostile world.
#thriving #daniel
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What do people do when they live in a land hostile to the God they serve? In the book of Daniel, the people who served God remained faithful in the face of unimaginable pressure and oppression. What can we learn from their stories and their lives?
How do we live and “finish the race” in a godly manner while in a hostile world?
Instructions for Thriving in Babylon:
     1. Resolve where you will draw the line before the crisis comes.
     2. Obey God and leave the results up to him.
     3. Practice respectful non-participation.
     4. Remind yourself that God is in control, especially in Babylon.
     5. Look for the people God has brought you to through your persecution.
     6. Put the Word of God in your heart now, so you can recall it later.
     7. Remember God's faithfulness in the past so you can move forward with
courage in the present.
     8. View your suffering and obedience as a way for people to encounter God.
     9. Love your enemies; you'll never influence people you hate.
     10. With compassion and courage speak the true gospel of Jesus, and get out
     of God's way.
In his old age, Daniel was elevated even though he didn’t follow the customs of the land.
     Daniel 6:1-3 (ESV)
When the culture you live in becomes hostile to you, the gut reaction is to choose one of two options:
     1. Isolation
     2. Retaliation
A third way is transformation.
Daniel would have known of and been influenced by Jeremiah’s teachings.
    Jeremiah 29:4-7 (ESV)
There were men who wanted Daniel to fail and set a trap for him.
     Daniel 6:4-5 (ESV)
     Daniel 6:6-9 (ESV)
People will unite in opposition to God and His followers.
     Psalm 2:1-3 (ESV)
Daniel once again took a stand.
     Daniel 6:10 (ESV)
     “Just as he had always done.” (NLT)
The men against Daniel caught him praying.
     Daniel 6:11-13 (ESV)
Jesus told us that we would be persecuted too.
     John 15:20a (ESV)
The king didn’t want to hurt Daniel, but he was trapped by his own decree. Daniel continued to trust in God regardless.
     Daniel 6:14 (ESV)
     Daniel 6:15-23 (ESV)
The tables were turned on Daniel’s accusers.
     Daniel 6:24 (ESV)
Men conspire against God, but He laughs.
     Psalm 2:2 (ESV)
     Psalm 2:4 (ESV)
King Darius wrote that his people should fear and worship the God of Daniel. Through the reigns of four kings, Daniel prospered.
     Daniel 6:25-27 (ESV)
     Daniel 6:28 (ESV)

[@synergy92081]

Great hearts. Nice music!

[@joywadelle9658]

Does this church believe that you have to stop sinning in order to be saved?