A prideful king is humbled, driven from power until he lifts his eyes to heaven. God’s mercy pursues even the arrogant, leading Nebuchadnezzar from rebellion to repentance and reminding us that His kingdom alone endures forever.

Nebuchadnezzar loves God’s power but misses God, building a 90-foot ego in the plain of Shinar. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego don’t posture—they worship: “Our God is able… but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow.” God doesn’t keep them from the fire; He meets them in it—so ask it straight: how’s the soil of your heart?

Don’t bow. Worship God alone. He is with you.

We don’t wait for the heat to decide—like Daniel, we resolve not to defile ourselves and consecrate our lives to God first. In Daniel 2 a sleepless king melts down, but Daniel answers with prudence and prayer, points the credit to God, and delivers the dream: kingdoms rise and fall, but the stone not cut by hands—Jesus—topples the statue and fills the earth. Don’t miss God by settling for what he can do for you; seek Him as a person.


Resolve first, pray hard and trust because God topples kingdoms.

Daniel opens with a gut-check: we’re living as exiles, but God’s still running the show (Dan. 1:2). Babylon will tug at our worship, worldview, and identity, so we’re choosing Daniel-style resolve—engaged in our city, zero compromise, eyes on Jesus.

Exile resolve: influence without compromise.

This message reminds us that God designed us for deep, Christ-centered relationships that shape who we are and how we live. By embracing the sacred pace of friendship—slowing down, being present, and walking with others—we discover the kind of community where love, forgiveness, and transformation can truly take root.

We don’t just form friendships - our friendships form us. All over the Bible, we see that who we walk with, stand with, and sit with shapes our future. God calls us to cultivate friendships that help us grow into our full redeemed potential - and it starts with a friendship with Him.

We often think deep friendships just happen, but the truth is they’re built—through initiative, vulnerability, and shared purpose. This message reminds us that meaningful friendships are worth the effort because we were made for people, and we become more like Jesus when we pursue others in love.

Friendship is built—not found—through intentional love.

Friendship isn’t just a good idea—it’s God’s design! We were made for people.

God didn’t just save us to sit—He saved us to shine. Following Jesus means gathering, growing, and going so others can see, taste, and know the glory of God through our lives.

Saved people go with purpose and power.

In this sermon from our For the King series, Pastor Taylor challenges us to take personal ownership of our spiritual growth. Rooted in Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 4, and the life of Jesus, we’re reminded that faith isn’t inherited by proximity—it’s formed by practice. If we want the next generation to know Jesus deeply, we have to go there first.