1. THE BABYLON DILEMMA

We are trying to learn how to create a culture in the midst of a broken culture

Babylon represents everything that is not of God. God created the universe and he knows how it works. When we don’t function the way we were created, then things don’t function right.

EXAMPLES:

  • We are not created to find satisfaction from the things we possess. Babylon is always looking for something else that will bring us joy, but it usually only leads to payments that become hard to make.
  • Marriage is created to function between a man and a woman. opposites who bring traits in that the other one needs to become complete. When we try to change this, we no longer function the way we were created to function.
  • We become broken

Babylon is rich, powerful, owns the world, but it is not working as a culture. God is about to intervene to create a new culture.

2. THE DREAM

Nebuchadnezzar greatest king in the known world. He is totally pagan, but God is going to give him a dream that will reveal what the future holds.

God can use anyone.

DREAM Statue that was a frightening sight. Head of gold shoulders of silver, Belly and thighs are bronze, legs were iron and the feet were a mixture of iron and clay. Then a huge rock comes down and crushes the statue with the wind blowing the pieces away. Finally the rock becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth.

Look at the meaning of the dream in a few weeks but basically it is showing Nebuchadnezzar the kingdoms that are going to rise after his is over.

The king wants his dream interpreted. One problem, he can’t remember the dream.

Daniel 2: 2 He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed.”

Vs 11 No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.

GOD HAS BEEN KICKED OUT OF THE CULTURE

Why are they religious and pursuing the spiritual if they know that God does not live among men? They are serving an empty religion.

Vs 12 the king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed.

When religion has nothing to offer those who are in need, people have no need for it and are ready to destroy it. This is the reason that God is kicked out of the culture. It doesn’t function the way it was created to.

3. THE DANIEL DILEMMA

Societies dilemma brings a dilemma to Daniel

Vs 14 Arioch comes to the home of Daniel and says you are a dead man.

We in the church are not immune to the problems around us.

Crisis is allowed to let the truth shine.

EXAMPLE: in a crisis the arguments that normally consume us are no longer important, we are just looking for hope in the place of death that is all around us. (school shooting no arguments against students praying)

When someone runs into a problem that looks like it is going to kill them, then they are open to an answer.

4. PRAY WITH ME

  1. Vs 17 Ask the God of heaven to show us mercy by showing us the answer to the kings request.

Daniel is asking for something that there is no precedent for. Can God do something he has never done before?

Prayer was not some despondent prayer I am going to die tomorrow, what a lousy life this turned out to be. We are no better than the astrologers and fake religions if this is your life. (THE GODS DON’T LIVE AMONG MEN)

The Astrologers said that God does not dwell among men, Look at Daniel’s answer Vs 27 No religion can reveal the king’s secret, but There is a God in heaven.

You have strength in the midst of the battle. God Almighty dwells in you. We are in the midst of the battle with others so we can share with those with no hope and facing death.

  1. God will grant favor in the midst of the battle.

Psalm 31: 16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, save me

There is a favor on the child of God even in the midst of the battle.

EXAMPLE: Daniel with the attendant over him. Daniel 1: 9 Why would he risk his life for Daniel a captive? Favor Daniel goes to the king who just warns the astrologers that they are stalling. Daniel 2: 16 the king give him more time.

Deuteronomy 33: 13 – 16 favor of the one who dwells in the burning bush rest on you

Moses could pass on the favor of the one in the burning bush because he knew him personally.

Daniel was able to stand before the king of the earth and proclaim, there is a God in heaven.

Key Point: When we know the God of the burning bush we are able to give life to those around us.

Not just sharing ” I know how you feel” but people filled with the power of God to give a word of hope

5. CULTURE STARTS TO CHANGE

Most hopeless person. Vs 47 Your God is the true God.

A CULTURE CREATOR IS A MAN WHO IS ABLE TO BREAK THROUGH TO HEAVEN IN THE MIDST OF A STORM AND COME WITH A WORD FROM GOD.