This past Sunday, Pastor Ben Johnson started our new series "Unshakeable" with a powerful message titled “Living Bold in Babylon.” Drawing from Daniel 1:1–8, he explored how Daniel and his friends resisted the Babylonian strategies of isolation, indoctrination, and assimilation by standing firm in their God-given identity. Though their names were changed to reflect Babylonian gods, they remained rooted in truth and chose not to defile themselves. Pastor Ben challenged us to follow Daniel’s example by living with purpose in our hearts, maintaining a posture of honour, and persevering in obedience—no matter the cultural pressures. Anchored in Matthew 5, the message reminded us that we are called to be salt and light in the world, boldly reflecting God’s glory through how we live.

✍️ Notes
 
Daniel 1:1-8 (NIV)
In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.  And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God.These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god. 3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. 6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. 8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.  
 
Babylonian Strategies

• Isolation – Removed from home and culture  

• Indoctrination – Taught Babylonian beliefs and literature  

• Assimilation – Blend in and given new identity

 
 Daniel → Belteshazzar 
“God is my Judge” → “Lady, protect the king” 
 
 Hananiah → Shadrach 
“Yahweh is Gracious” → “Command of Aku” 
 
  Mishael → Meshach 
“Who is like God?” → “Who is like Aku?” 
 
 Azariah → Abednego 
“The Lord Helps” → “Servant of Nebo” 
 
Purpose in Your Heart “Daniel resolved not to defile himself…” — Daniel 1:8 
 
Posture of Honor “God gave favor… an excellent spirit was in him” — Daniel 1:9, 6:3
 
Persevere in Obedience “They were found ten times better…” — Daniel 1:20

Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot...



Matthew 6:13-16
...16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5f6PgZnt8v0?si=uqL5DMj9AzNBQ-K9

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