courageous character

by Scott Riling, associate pastor, Champion Forest Baptist Church, Houston, Texas

Daniel 1:3-21

Introduction
We all have to face change in our lives. Our world is rapidly changing in every way. Since the year 2000, the amount of information available to the average American has doubled every four years. Not only is technology changing at a breakneck pace, but so are our values and morals. These changes are reflected in our media and even in the church. When everything is changing around us, how do we discover and stick to those timeless truths found in God's Word and authentically live them out every day? Long ago, four young men faced the same challenges but modeled courageous character in the face of change.

1. The changes (1:3-7)

A. Their homes changed. They didn't just move to a new part of the country but to a totally new culture.

B. Their education changed. Their new education would have a new worldview from the one they had back home.

C. Their food changed. It was not simply a matter of acquiring a new taste, but it was a matter of defiling themselves spiritually with food forbidden by God.

D. Their names changed. Daniel - "God is my judge" became Belteshazzar meaning "Bel protect his life." Hananiah - "Jehovah is gracious" became Shadrach meaning "the command of the moon god." Mishael - "Who is like God?" became Meshach meaning "who is like Aku?" Azariah - "Jehovah is my helper" became Abednego meaning "the servant of Nego."
 

2.  the challenge (1:8-16)

A.  Daniel made up his mind.

B.  God made a way.

3.  the consequences (1:17-21)

 God gave them:

A.  Knowledge, intelligence and wisdom

B.  Favor with the king and the people of the land

The amazing account of the courageous character of Daniel, Hanniah, Mishael and Azariah given in the first chapter of Daniel is only part of the story. Their lives fulfilled a 96-year-old prophesy given to King Hezekiah recorded in 2 Kings 20:18.  However, just 17 years before the four young men would have to face down a powerful pagan king, their parents had made a covenant with God during the revival under young King Josiah as recorded in 2 Kings 23:3. They committed themselves to God's Law and taught it to their sons. Seventeen years made a profound difference as one generation passed a living and courageous faith to the next.

Title: What is the meaning of Easter?
Is it all Easter eggs and bunny rabbits or does Christ still serve an important part in the Easter celebration? Here's a window into the thoughts of everyday people.

TITLE: What if Mom was paid?
Perfect for Mother's Day, this video takes a humorous look at what would happen to every day life if one day we discovered every thing mom did required payment. Mother's are God's gift to the family. A quiet encouraging voice, loving arms of caring, and endless duties such as laundry, cooking, and driving, are what today's mom is all about. Whether it is Mother's Day or you are speaking on the family, this video clip will be a helpful tool.

To download the video illustrations, right click on the link and select "Save Target As" to save.