If you are a Christian, you are playing an away game. There was a day when the church was a predominant influence in culture. Not anymore. In the U.S. the church has lost influence in our communities and been pushed out to the margins, and Christ-followers are no longer warmly met, but now face vitriol and resistance.

 But this is nothing new. In this episode of Locker Room Scott and returning guest Kevin Comp sit down to look back into history to a time when a group of young men who followed the Lord were faced with an ultimate test of faith versus a culture that wanted nothing to do with God. Discussion Guide:

1. Which option would you pick between truth or dare? Why?     

2. Describe a time when you saw someone do something courageous. Where did their strength come from? What effect did their courage have on you?  

3. Read Daniel 1:1-21. The first chapter of the book of Daniel provides context for the type of character and courage Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah (Abednego) possessed. What specific attributes or actions of these four men stand out to you? Why? 

4. Read Daniel 2:46-49. The second chapter could be summarized in three acts: Nebuchadnezzar's dream, Daniel's interpretation, and Nebuchadnezzar's response. What's significant about Nebuchadnezzar's response to Daniel's interpretation of his dream? How should we have expected him to respond? 

5. Read Daniel 3:1-7. Pride is a dangerous form of self-deception, and it's abundantly clear with Nebuchadnezzar. What areas in your life do you intentionally or unintentionally try to sit on God's throne? How has He revealed this to you? What's typically your response when He does?  

6. Read Daniel 3:8-18 and 2 Timothy 1:7. "Even if" is arguably one of the most important qualifiers as it pertains to our walk with God. When was the last time you experienced conflict because of your faith? How did you handle the situation? What did you learn from it? 

7. Read Daniel 3:19-23 and 1 Corinthians 16:13. When are you the most tempted to compromise on your faith? How can you practically guard against this temptation? 

8. Read Daniel 3:24-30 and Isaiah 42:2-3. Why is it so easy for us to forget that God is with us? What are some of the ways we can remind ourselves of His presence, especially when our circumstances seem dire? 

9. Read John 15:18-21. Pastor Tony Evans once said, "A ship belongs in the water, but the water doesn't belong in the ship. We are to be in the world, but the world should not be in us." What does it mean to be a counter-cultural Christian in our current cultural climate?  

10. Listen to each of the following songs this week and meditate on Scott's question: What are you afraid of?

    1. "Another in the Fire" by Hillsong Worship

    2. "Even If" by MercyMe

    3. "Christ Be Magnified" by Cody Carnes