"As image bearers of God, we represent him both as individuals and as a community. We each reflect a part of God’s multifaceted nature. Consider this example: a photographer might spend weeks snapping pictures of small bits of the Grand Canyon. Thousands of different pictures could be taken, never repeating the same part of the canyon. The Grand Canyon is so expansive that is includes multiple biomes, landscapes, habitats, weather systems, climates, and geological features. God is even more expansive. No single person could reflect all of God, but each of us can represent a part of him, and when put together in a community, we can better represent more of God to our world."

Big Idea: In exile, Daniel never lost hope in God’s plan for his people and his provision in both prosperity and persecution.

1) WHAT IF I DON'T BELONG?
(Write notes below)

2) HOW DO I GET ALONG?
(Write notes below)

Application Point: Both in times of prosperity and of persecution, we will have hope in Christ.

Parallel's between Daniel and Jesus:

-Jealousy led to false accusations against him
-His enemies were unable to find any basis for a charge
-In the end they resorted to a religious charge
-A reluctant and weak king was persuaded to take some action he did not really want to take
-The great courage of Daniel foreshadowed the supreme courage of Jesus.
-The rescue by God foreshadowed the resurrection
-Even the empty tomb seems to be foreshadowed: ‘A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it… At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den’ (vv.17,19).

Big Idea of the Message: In exile Daniel never lost hope in God’s plan for his people and his provision in both prosperity and persecution.

Application Point: Both in times of prosperity and of persecution, we will have hope in Christ.

This space left open to write notes as Pastor Josh seems to go down rabbit trails...