Join us as we discover helpful insights about a passage of scripture that is often misunderstood. Later in life, Daniel here records a rather startling vision about world powers being raised up and toppled down. Throughout the ensuing hardships that lay ahead for God's people, the call remains the same: continue serving God in faith, knowing He is sovereign.

Contrary to popular belief, the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den does not promise that God will always deliver us from difficulty or ease our suffering. Instead, we see what Daniel knew all to well—that God has called us into His story, and not the other way around. If we face suffering with faithfulness and devote ourselves to Him, God will use it for His glory and for our good.

As Daniel's time in Babylon continued beyond the lifetime of Nebuchadnezzar, he then encountered the arrogant king Belshazzar, who set himself up against the Lord of heaven. Daniel was brought in to interpret the a terrifying sign, prophesying judgment against Belshazzar. The God who deposes kings was about to clean house.

As we turn to Daniel 4, we discover an amazing truth—Nebuchadnezzar came under the discipline of the Lord, and as a result came to faith in God Most High. The power of the gospel message can break into even the hardest of hearts.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace is one of the Bible's most well-known stories. Join us this week as we dive deeper into the narrative and recognize the ways that we can live faithful lives of courage in Babylon.

Daniel had been uniquely gifted by God to be able to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, and this made the king very happy. Rather than take the credit for himself, Daniel gave the glory to God for granting the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream. He was more interested in building God's kingdom than setting himself up for success.

Daniel had been forcibly brought out of Judah and into captivity in Babylon, he was assigned a pagan name, and was made to learn the Babylonian culture and religion. He could have chosen to fight against his captors, or he could have turned his back on his heritage and adopted their culture. But instead he chose a third way: to give glory to God by remaining faithful in spite of his circumstances.

Here in the beginning of a new teaching series entitled, Daniel: Thriving in Babylon, Pastor Justin Carruthers gives some helpful background to the historical record found in this book, and he points to some important themes that will emerge as we make our way through the narrative in Daniel.

Having been saved from Pharaoh by the mighty hand of the LORD, the people of Israel worshiped Him with songs of praise. Just three days later, they grumbled against Him in bitterness at Marah ("bitter"). Still God displayed His goodness and His steadfast love to them. As we face struggles, loss and disappointment in our lives, we can praise God for what He has done for us in Christ.

Having marched boldly out of Egypt after the Passover, God's people faced struggles as they journeyed in the wilderness, causing fear, doubt and even a desire to return back to slavery in Egypt. But God showed them that He alone is worthy of their devotion and faith. So Moses said to the people; "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. . . . The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14 NIV)