Thriving in Babylon- Week 1- When Your World Comes Crumbling Down
These are confusing times for many Christians. Traditional biblical values are not only rejected; it seems as if they're attacked on every front. It's all happened at warp speed, leaving many of us spiritually and culturally disoriented or even fearful, frustrated, and angry. How can we spiritually survive in an increasingly spiritually hostile environment? And is there any hope for the next generation?
In this 8-session sermon-based series, based on the book by Larry Osborne, we will be introduced to a man forced to live in a fast-changing and godless society. This man faced fears about the future, concern for his safety, and the discouragement of a world that seemed to be falling apart at warp speed. That man was Daniel, and with the power of hope, humility, and wisdom, he not only survived, but thrived.
Thriving in Babylon challenges us to hope in God and strive to live in a unique way, even compared to other religious people. In what appears to be an increasingly godless society, we are called to live as people of hope, humility, and wisdom. Though Daniel lived thousands of years ago, he has much to teach us today.
“He found a way, in a culture far more wicked than anything we face, to glorify and serve God with such integrity and power that kings, peasants, and an entire nation turned to acknowledge the splendor of the living God.”
“But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion.”
When the pressure is on, that assurance in the goodness and faithfulness of God so often evaporates. And we find ourselves so often asking the same question that the disciples as, “Don’t you even care?”
“So it could be that once you know how it turns out, it’s cognitively easier— you’re more comfortable processing the information— and can focus on a deeper understanding of the story.”