Irony = the opposite of what is expected.

The trial and crucifixion of Jesus is filled with ironies. This can serve to pour fuel on the fires of our faith because realities are different from appearances.

Irony #1: Religious devotion hides animus toward Jesus
Irony #2: Underhanded political maneuverings fulfill Scripture
Irony #3: The dismissed King really is a King
Irony #4: The innocent is condemned, the guilty goes free

Text: John 18:28-40

Hollywood movies are a clear indicator that the end of the world is of interest to many people. We all have an existential angst about not just our personal future, but the future of the universe. Maybe God put that interest in us. What better place to turn than the Bible to find answers to how the world will end.

1) The beastly nature of history
2) The ironclad kingship of heaven
3) The final conflict of suffering

Text: Daniel 7:1-28

If you think Daniel walking out of a lions' den without a scratch is amazing, just wait to see what happens at the end of time when Christians walk out of the den of God's judgment without a scratch. The critical question is: will that be you?

Four principles for how Christians do engaged alienation wisely:
1) Be never-despairing yet never-presuming
2) Defiantly...pray
3) Don't trust "Persia's" leaders
4) Trust the righteousness of Christ

Text: Daniel 6:1-28

"Say what?" The Bible has a lot to say about how we speak. We'll be doing a study on sanctified speech: what is it, and why is it important?

Text: Selected Scriptures

Beleaguered exiles living in the belly of Babylon need the reminder that a just, powerful, and good God is calling the shots and pulling the strings. He will not turn a blind eye to those who mock him and his people. This is both reassuring and alarming. Do you know why?

A megalomaniac's tragic end...
1) Who a megalomaniac mocks
2) What a megalomaniac treats with contempt
3) What this leads to

Text: Daniel 5:1-31

Worldliness characterizes Babylon. Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. That is prevalent everywhere you look. God's people can feel small and insignificant in the belly of Babylon, but the truth of the matter is: God rules “Babylonian” leaders and “Babylon” for the good of his people.

A megalomaniac's testimony...
1) Intellectual disruption
2) Experiential crisis
3) Volitional submission

Text: Daniel 4:1-37

If you make it your obsession to treasure Christ above all else in Babylon, it will cost you dearly. Just ask Shadrack, Meshak, and Abednego. But it will be worth it. And the Lord will make sure you have what you need to remain faithful to him against all odds.

Treasuring Christ in Babylon...
1) The opposition we'll face
2) The miracle we'll pray for
3) The fellowship we'll receive

Text: Daniel 3:1-30

"Image is everything."

This famous slogan from 1989 still rings true in the modern world. We judge by appearances. One of the consistent themes of Scripture, however, is that things are not always as they seem. Though our various "Babylons" may look strong, formidable, and daunting, reality may be much different. This is a much needed message for exiles.

This reality check comes at us in three waves...
1) Don't be fooled by appearances
2) Remember who the Star of the show is
3) Get the big picture

Text: Daniel 2:1-49

Worldliness is whatever makes wickedness look normal and righteousness look strange. Worldliness characterizes "Babylon". Babylon is in every country in the world. It's also present in our communities, schools, and places of employment. So how do God's people live wisely in Babylon? Join us as we begin a new series on the book of Daniel, which serves as a manual for wise living in Babylon.

Life in Babylon...
1) How we get there
2) What we maintain there
3) Who we bless there
4) The promise we cling to while there

Text: Daniel 1:1-21

How does one become a child of God? Or is everyone automatically a child of God? Is it possible to be a child of God at one point in life and then lose that status? Do you want to know if you are a child of God? Join us to find out!

Children of God...
1) Are born of God
2) Are loved by God
3) Practice righteousness
4) Hope in God

Text: 1 John 2:28-3:10