Northside Christian Church

1. Everyone’s invited to the party…or else.

2. The battle before the battle.

3. Even if…

Opening Discussion Questions (Choose any that work for your group)

1. What is a fad that you tried growing up that you think is funny now?

2. Have you ever tried to cook something that was trending and it did not turn you the way you thought it would?

3. When have you seen someone you know personally (not a politician or celebrity) stand up for something in a way that impressed you?

Digging Deeper

1. What’s one thing that stood out to you from this chapter or from this week’s message?

2. Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue and citywide celebration created a scenario where refusing to participate came with serious consequences. What are some popular cultural activities or trends today that you find challenging to engage with as a Christian, and why?

3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrated their faith openly. How do you navigate the balance between living out your faith publicly and avoiding the perception of being judgmental or hypocritical?

Re-read Daniel 3:16-18. In that passage, Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego know that God is capable of delivering them, but they also know that many times God does not intervene. They want to make it clear that they will be faithful, even if they must suffer the consequences of an unjust culture. In letters from Birmingham jail Martin Luther King wrote, “One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.”

4. Why is it crucial to maintain an attitude of love, and willingness to accept the consequences when resisting cultural pressures to conform? What might this look like in practice?

5. Preparation Through Small Choices. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had previously resisted cultural pressures, such as in Daniel Chapter 1, where they refused the king’s luxurious food. What small, everyday decisions can we start making now to prepare ourselves to stand up for what’s right in the future?