Daniel 1 Holy people are powerful tools in the hands of God. Here are two ofthe most influential: 1) Mars, the god of war, the myth of redemptive violence, the sacrifice ofyoung men and women on the battlefield to defend national interest and maintain global injustice. Peter was profane. Many of us know Daniel and the lion's den (Daniel 6), but let's remember Daniel today as a young man who didn't compromise his faith in the midst of an ungodly world. The coach would always know where Johnny would be when the saints were worshiping and would not fathom that he would show up to play when he could be worshiping with the saints. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. - because every time youre called on to take a stand that might cost you something, you will find a reason to compromise.you will find a reason to give in.youll find a reason to back down. The laws of the new kingdom were brutal and discriminatory. Who was Daniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org "Daniel in the lion's den" is a story of both courage and bravery, but most of all, about true faithfulness. Daniel honored God by faith. God gave him that reminder through a dream that terrified the king, and he again called for Daniel to interpret the vision. - frankly, most approaches to Christian counseling today are based on a view of truth that is more like this writer and less like this teenager named Daniel. Are you putting your faith in God to rescue you? - to prove the good and acceptable and perfect will of God - Rom. Jacob cheated. By their words and actions, they proclaim a truly biblical faith: confidence in a sovereign God regardless of the outcomes. Of course He is! It pleads with God, prays persistently, hopes fordeliverance; but finally, it accepts and trusts Gods love and wisdom whatever happens. Daniel 9:1-23 Introduction As I was reading through a reprint of E.M. Bounds book, "Power Through Prayer," I was struck by the proverbial saying that "nothing really ever changes." E.M. Bounds served the Lord through the Civil War until his death in 1913. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. - hold on tight --- theres an important point to be made here. Chapter five of Daniel is the flipside of chapter four. Used by permission. - weve learned that the book begins in the year 605 BC when God allows King Nebuchanezzar from Babylon to come to Israel and besiege the city of Jerusalem. Bible Story of a Brave Trio: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniels trust in God shows that faith is the victory. Christians throughout the world and through history have faced such persecution. The type you go to Monday through Friday, where you earned vacation and your vacation rolled over the beginning of each year. This prophecy brings hope to a world that is so negative and combative. He went against everything that the king stood for spiritually and yet he was his closest confidant. Lets face it. - It looked like it was going to be the perfect weekend for this football great. : Pre-Seminary & Bible, Baptist Bible College (Now Clarks Summit University)M.Div. Through a life of hard work and obedience to God, he had risen through the political ranks as an administrator of this pagan kingdom. Reading Daniels entire story, we find that he was found faithful to what he believed and had been taught. In fact they probably knew it would take no more than a day. ", MORE STUDIES IN HEBREWS 11 by Francis Dixon Scripture References: Hebrews 11:33; Daniel 6:16-28. It produces within the believer the experience of Isaiah 26:3. Daniel 6:10-28 ERV - Daniel always prayed to God three times - Bible God is the One who controls the future of this world and has the power to foretell future events. What do you do when the bottom falls out of your career, your family's security, your health? Daniel's Prophecies: Proof of God's Existence - Life, Hope and Truth The doors of opportunity were obvious on every hand and Daniel used them all to glorify his Master. This was the case with Daniel and everyone knew it! June 8, 2023 by Saxone. The key is not to put your focus on your situation but on your all-powerful Protector. Then I sent it, By Shannon Williams When one lives in a community that is a tourist destination, you often just stay at home when the tourists come or there are large crowds, and wait until the season is over to enjoy your community again. 1) Some people who call themselves Christians will not stand up for anything. I found myself going back to the scene of Daniel in the den of lions over and over. There are many characters in the Bible that intrigue the human mind of the present economy. - eating this food would have been a violation of OT dietary laws, and it had probably been offered to their pagan gods.. - so on both counts, Daniel had a biblical reason not to participate.so what determined when Daniel took a stand and when he didnt was whether or not he was in danger of violating the Word of God. Which is weird, because his other virtues that we're supposed to emulate are in there. He knew the God of the Book, as well as the Book of God. Is God able? Abraham lied. God can deliver those who trust Him from all evil - from a guilty conscience (Hebrews 10:22); from a sinful, unbelieving heart (Hebrews 3:12); from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4); from slander (Ephesians 4:31); from bad company (1 Corinthians 15:33); and from every kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Remarkably, Daniel stood alone, with no visible means of help to bolster him. Sometimes, you would have some vacation you didnt, By Brenda Cannon Henley Many of us are blessed to attend good churches where we are taught the Word of God by people who put in the effort to study, prepare, and present lessons that encourage, enlighten, and educate. This is a story about true faithfulness. - heres where you really have to hold on tight. Jesus Christ refers to this prophecy in Matthew 24:15, where he speaks specifically of Daniel the prophet foretelling the abomination of desolation. Historically, this is referring to Antiochus IV who attacked Jerusalem around 169 B.C. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Daniel - An Example of Consistency - Lane Prairie Baptist Church Daniels God has never failed him, and Daniel will never forsake God. He went on trusting God for this new situation in which he found himself. - now listen, I respect the right of this gentleman to hold his view.[I hope his god is going to be able to get him to heaven], but I respect his right to hold his view.. - but let me say strongly, if you have a similar view of truth, forget about being like Daniel. "Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." But Daniel does not hesitate. Lets look at what this means for the average SUP rider. - did you see that emphasis flow out of the text? Read Daniels inspiring story about faith in God through all things. Learn from Daniel how to survive your own lions' den experience. Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. Verse 15 of Chapter 1 gives us the exciting outcome. Daniel was obviously a man who loved and obey God, from his young age his life's principle has been developed in life with God's expectation. Genuine faith remains strong amid dire circumstances and uncertain outcomes. 2:15 - to prove yourselves doers of the word and not hearers only - James 1:22 - to prove yourselves zealous for what is good - I Peter 3:13. Thank you, faithful God. At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. We can have confidence that in the end, the Kingdom of God will be established and an entirely new world will come. Not to teach them regular habits in praying, Bible study, etc. As their health improved, they were permitted to continue with their chosen diet. - they are so ruled by the fear of man that they are hiding their light under a bushel basket and hoping desperately that no one finds out theyre a Christian.. - they are ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. - and had they lived during Daniels day they would have justified eating the food because of the unique circumstances. 2) Some believers, on the other hand.take positions on everything.theyve got an opinion on every subject [which isnt necessarily bad] until they baptize those opinions with the authority of Biblical truth.. - and they take a stand on practically every issue that comes up at work. - they take a stand on every issue that comes up in the community or the country.. - do you know anybody like that -- every issue is a drop dead issue. Daniel the Prophet - Life, Hope and Truth Just as he had done his whole life, he went home, knelt down, faced Jerusalem, and prayed to God. It will consume all revivals of the evil systems and self-serving human governments that exist at the return of Jesus Christ. Daniel's Faith was the Foundation of His Unshakable Integrity. We drove to school with. At the time I know I didn't understand the significance of it all, but it really took me back. But the Almighty God looked after His faithful Daniel and he did not get a scratch. Daniel had moral, as well as physical, courage. Darius was the king of a new empire, Medo-Persia. This ruler of the Seleucid Empire was descended from one of Alexander the Greats generals. I acknowledge God at all times, and this proves that I'm a person of faith." "I believe that the Lord Jesus is our Savior, and He was crucified to redeem us of our sins. Daniel 11:28-31says: While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. It is also interesting to note that the decree was only for thirty days. He has survived the bungled leadership of Nebuchadnezzar and his son, and now finds himself under new management with new rules live by. - you were working on a group project and someone in the group suggested that you just download the research results from someone else's project on the internet instead of doing the work yourself. It testified persuasively to the Israelites faith and attracted others to their God. He was known by everyone for his piety and for his faith in God, and in consequence he had many enemies. His faith in God enabled him to escape the lions' den and the consequences that Babylon brought him. The record also provides us with a marvellous illustration of the present help that God gives to His people in times of trial and testing. - you might say, whats that have to do with Daniel? How many unanswered prayers can you cope with before you stoppraying? - fret, fume, struggle and complain? King Darius, who loved Daniel, tried to save him, but the decree could not be revoked. These men knew that Daniel was so faithful to God that he would never compromise his worship. At dawn, he ran to the lions' den and asked Daniel if his God had protected him. And that he did! Biblical scholars recognize that the large horn from the kingdom of Greece is referring to Alexander the Great, its most powerful ruler. - The safety for the Atlanta Falcons spent the night before the Super Bowl in jail.and the rest is history. This Study Through the Bible Course is based on a PreachingToday.com sermon series by Bryan Chapell. The boss would always know without doubt where his Christian employee would be when the saints were assembled. The judgment of grace 1. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. Daniel had two, maybe three, names. Even though Daniel was an old man at the time, he refused to take the easy way out and abandon God. a. Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold: There is considerable debate regarding when this happened. And we commend to you thepersecuted church, our sisters and brothers, praying for deliverance from evil and perseverance insuffering. - in our dealings with those who don't know the Lord.when we have to take a stand..let it be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so we may know how to answer everyone. This deity loves us, as a . - so Im a passive agent, that brings a neutral heart to the equation, or in most cases a positive heart to the equation.and the problems I face are because others around me have treated me badlyMy love cup hasnt been filled up, my inner child hasnt been properly strokedmy problem is the people around me. The God who rescued Daniel from the lions is the same God today and forevermore. In Daniel's response to the collapse of his own circumstances, we will learn what faithfulness to God looks like when the bottom does fall out. In The Daniel Dilemma, Chris Hodges outlines the different ways Christians can use the lessons from Daniel to help us be faithful to God even when today's culture encourages us to do otherwise. What would thirty days hurt? Note, too, that Ezekiel, who was also taken captive by the Babylonians, mentions Daniel as a righteous man along with Noah and Job (Ezekiel 14:14). It is truly an awful fate. Daniel 6. Updated on August 04, 2022 Daniel was a young man of Jewish nobility taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar in the third year of Jehoiakim and renamed Belteshazzar. How many Christians today would just sit it out for the thirty days and wait for a more convenient time to worship? He kindly asked the prince of the eunuchs that cared for the captives to spare him from eating the food that he did not believe in consuming. He is appointed to high office, conspired against, and thrown to hungry lions. How many of our young people, or grown adults, for that matter, have what it takes these days to purpose in our hearts that we will do right no matter what comes our way? What can you do? - but just before the time of Christ, a group of people translated the OT into Greek. For God, foretelling events 500 years into the future is no harder than predicting 100 years. Because of that, they do not believe it was really written by Daniel but claim it is a pious fraud written in the 160s B.C. [emailprotected], Contact Brenda Cannon Henley: An amazing prophecy in the book of Daniel is found in Daniel 8. - Last Saturday morning, a Christian group named Athletes in Action gave Eugene Robinson the Starr award, named after football great Bart Starr and presented to the athlete who especially exemplifies high moral standards in the sport. His primary aimto unify his empire by spreading Greek civilization and culturebrought him into direct conflict with the Jews. Daniel understood that God is all he needed, 2.2.2. I am praying today that I will have the courage of Daniel to stand true to what I believe even when times are difficult and the demand is great. - later on Saturday, he and his wife and their son were spending time together around the pool at the hotel where the team was staying. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/daniel-in-the-den-of-lions-700198. What do you do when things just go horribly wrong? Daniel 6:7-10 - "All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. In 605 B.C., the Babylonians conquered Israel, taking many of its promising young men into captivity in Babylon. salt. Daniel stayed true to his traditions and teachings. - and hes had a hard dayand he just wants some peace and quiet. - and he just wants to enjoy a nice dinner.and sit in his perfectly cleaned home.and just relax in his castle. - in other words, he didnt take a stand on everything. Daniel 2:40 says: And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others.. Daniels integrity survived the onslaught of his enemies. 2) Mammon, the god of wealth, the hoarding of resources, self-indulgence, shopping as a culturalpursuit, manipulative advertising, money as a taboo subject in the church. Suddenly, from the west a goat with one large horn ran at the ram with furious power and trampled him (verses 5-7). Daniel prospered under the reign of Darius and King Cyrus the Persian after him. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved. Daniel 9:23. Daniel succeeded not merely because he had talent and drive he was first and foremost a man of faith in God. He was known by everyone for his piety and for his faith in God, and in consequence he had many enemies. There are those who are mentioned many times and then there are faithful servants of whom we hear little about. When Nebuchadnezzar ultimately regained his mind and rule, he plainly stated what "the peoples, nations, and men of every language who live in all the world" needed to learn as a result of his demise. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Daniel Chapter 6 When our duty is clear, action should be immediate there are grave dangers in postponing the principles of conscience. The threat of an agonizing death did not change his trust in God. I am grateful to O.S. - so he been forcibly removed from his home. - he was being schooled in Babylonian ways and customs.. - his name was changed to one that honored a Babylonian god. - and he was offered food and wine from the kings table. Jews were forced to participate in heathen festivities and were put to death if they were caught with the Book of the Law in their possession (Antiochus, emphasis added). None were recorded of Daniel. A. - what was unique about the food that was not true of the other facets of this trial? Existence of God | History, Philosophy, & Arguments | Britannica Psalms 56:3,4 - Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. - whats the answer? He was the Prime Minister, and at this time he was between 80 and 90 years of age. Here is an accurate prediction of what would happen more than 200 years after Daniel recorded this prophecy. Look at verse 22. By the time chapter 6 comes to view, Daniel has seen plenty. This was not an eternal decree, just thirty days! Look at verses 16 and 17. I can hear the reasoning now. We live in a fallen world and, like everyone else, may face crippling disappointment and disaster. He was fervent in his beliefs and not wishy-washy. Suddenly, from the west a goat with one large horn ran at the ram "with furious power" and "trampled him" ( verses 5-7 ). In fact, Daniel was so honest and hardworking that the other government officialsthose who were jealous of himcould find nothing against him to cause him to be removed from office. 1. Look at verses 25-27, and compare Philippians 1:12. In fact, the only times that we weren't in the minority were when Adam and Eve were created and then directly after the flood. - are you putting the kind of ideas in there that position you to take a stand for God? - taking a stand for God. Can God still send His angel to deliver us when we are in places of danger? Presently, he serves with the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, pastoring congregations in Morgantown, West Virginia, and Athens-Parkersburg, Ohio. Finally, Darius made comments which imply certain knowledge of specific details which pre-dated his reign. How do you respond to the questions in the reflection section? The book of Daniel stands as a unique mix in the Old Testament, for while it begins with history, it makes a strong transition at chapter 7, where it contains visions of future events significant to the Jews. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe, Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/god/is-there-a-god/proof-of-god/daniels-prophecies/. He did not come and go with the tide. - Daniels faith was in the fact that if he obeyed the Scriptures, God would take care of him. You might think he had earned a little rest and relaxation for those retirement years, but God still was using the faithful prophet. - he asked permission to not have to eat the food..he addressed this commander with the word please. 3. He had been impressed by the character of Daniel in such a way that he became almost submissive. - the book of Daniel was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. Daniel was arrested and thrown into the lions' den. But this one was kind of super cute. - Those who seek to think biblically about life would say, No.its not so much what others do to me.but its the condition of the heart that I bring to the table. Daniel was more than 90 years old when these events unfolded. 5 Mighty Lessons from the Miracle of Daniel in the Lion's Den Dare to have a firm purpose, and dare to make it known. The Medes and Persians had a foolish custom that once a law was passedeven a bad lawit could not be repealed. 15 Bible Verses about Believing In God - Online Bible Even though ancient Babylon was a pagan nation, it was a highly advanced and organized civilization. Here is this man carrying on just as if his enemies were not against him and determined to bring about his downfall. Jack Zavada Updated on December 04, 2019 Daniel in the lion's den is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. You know, his love, his compassion, his obedience. Look at verse 20. But it is obvious that Daniel's faith was so great that there was no room for one compromise in his life as a servant of the Lord. Even though Daniel heard about the new law, he still went to his house to pray. He called him the "living God, steadfast forever". Here we read, But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kings meat, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. My boss and editor for many years, Dr. John R. Rice, wrote of Daniel, He resolved to live a clean, godly life. - Daniels become Daniels because of their allegiance to the Word of God. Daniel chapter 6 is authentic history, but it is also a prophetic picture of the protection that God will give to His faithful people at the end of the age, in the time when His judgments will be poured out. Book of Daniel Overview - Insight for Living Ministries Fishing Pictures week ending June 8, 2014, Recreational Boating Safety Stand-Up Paddle Boards. Daniel lived out this kind genuine holiness. Accounts of these conflicts are found in the apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees. (Daniel 6:23, NIV). In Daniel 2 and 7 God reveals to Daniel that there will be four great world-ruling kingdoms that impact the people of God before the coming of Gods Kingdom. Larger deportations of hostages. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. Almost all of the great men and women of the Bible had glaring faults recorded. This scene in the lion's den really begins in the first chapter of Daniel where he was brought to Babylon with other Hebrew children to serve in a barbaric system far remote from what they had ever been accustomed to. Christians living in todays sinful culture can readily identify with Daniel. Do we trust in God because things are going well, or in spite ofdifficulties and pressures? 10 Daniel always prayed to God three times every day. There is no question of him leaving his God, who has been with him from the very first day. The answer, according to the major monotheistic religions, including the Catholic faith in which I was raised, is that an all-powerful, supernatural entity created us. Thursday, September 9, 2010 - Do we have the Faith of Daniel? Because of Daniel's faith and influence the king issued a life-long decree, unchangeable. 2023 Words of Life Ministries - an independent evangelical Registered Charitable Trust (no.269381) Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy Website by: TEKOA Creative, Study 10 THE SUBMISSION OF FAITH - THE FIERY FURNACE, Study 6 THE COMMITMENT OF FAITH - JEPHTHAH, Study 9 THE DELIVERANCE OF FAITH - DANIEL. Daniel's Prayer to God in the Lions Den - Christian Gist Had Daniel habitually allowed lesser things to interfere with his praying, it is most unlikely that he could have stood his ground when a death sentence threatened to interfere! iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max 1TB Storage New Release. So why is it left out of Jesus? In chapter four, Daniel used King Nebuchadnezzar's conversion to affirm that the repentant reap the rewards of grace, however bleak their pasts. What kind of illness would lead you to despair? - were studying this book this year verse by verse and chapter by chapter. While the Bible encourages us to be law-abiding citizens, some laws are wrong and unjust and are overruled by, Daniel was taken into captivity at the same time as. - I don't mean drawing inappropriate attention to your self. - I certainly don't mean grandstandingor being needlessly abrasive or offensive. - but taking a stand for God in the sense of seizing the opportunities God gives us to prove our love and devotion to Him.to prove or fidelity to Him. B. When the lions' den event occurred, Daniel was in his 80s. What was the birthplace of the prophet Daniel? You agree that the site editor reserves the right to modify or discontinue provision of this web site and its services, and to remove the data you provide, either temporarily or permanently, at any time, without notice and without any liability towards you, The site editor will not be held responsible or liable for timeliness, removal of information, failure to store information, inaccuracy of information, or improper delivery of information. How thrilled and humbled this great man of God must have been when in answer to his own prayer, and because of his own faithfulness and trust in God, Darius was led to give this great testimony! Amen. Daniel was more at rest in the prison with the lions than Darius was in his palace with all his comforts and luxuries. Then Daniel was thrown to the lions. Daniel was brought out, unharmed, "because he had trusted in his God."