Lionwolf

Q5. (Daniel 6:4) What do we learn about Daniel's character qualities as a government official from verse 4? How do such qualities reflect on Daniel's God? Does your employer or supervisor see those qualities in you? Daniel's character qualities are like those from Dan 1 & 2, both humble and devoted to God. The qualities of trustworthiness, honesty, and being diligent flow from being humble and from devotion to God. Daniel does not seek honor for himself nor is he prideful. All these qualities are qualities that honor God. Daniel knows his character and behavior honors God both directly and indirectly. I am retired but believe my employer would have seen these qualities.

Q4. (Daniel 3:28-30) How does Nebuchadnezzar sum up their faith and commitment? Are you willing to disobey a command or law to be faithful to God? Are you willing to lay down your life to be faithful to God? What might hold you back? Nebuchadnezzar was amazed that three young men's commitment to God was so strong that these three men were willing to be thrown into a fiery furnace, facing certain death, to obey God's commandments regardless of the consequences. We all want to believe we will be faithful to God and do what he requires even unto death. Jesus suffered a death so painful that man today has trouble comprehending. And he did it willingly. And he did it for us. Would I willingly lay down my life to be faithful to God? I believe my faith is strong enough to accept this. Hopefully nothing would hold me back. This life is transitory but Heaven is forever.

Q3. (Daniel 3:19-27) What effect does their deliverance have on their government official colleagues? What effect does it have on the king? What kind of glory does God receive? The government colleagues were predictably subdued by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego surviving the fiery furnace. They were probably speechless over this especially since they witnessed the guards death by simply getting too close to the furnace, knowing these three had been. Inside the furnace, knowing the king had seen an angel, and seeing the three men walk out of the furnace with nothing to show they had been in a fire. They knew God was a God to be feared. The king at this point is also in awe of what has happened. He is trying to come to terms with the realization that God is more powerful than anything he has ever witnessed. At this point Nebuchadnezzar is realizing God is deserving of all glory especially since the three men told him they would be saved if it was God's will and he saved the three from the furnace.

Q2. (Daniel 3:16-18) How do the Jews answer Nebuchadnezzar? What is their attitude? How do they witness about their God? Do they face death with resignation or defiance? Characterize their faith. The answer the three Jews gave Nebuchadnezzar was matter of fact. Their attitude was one of respect to the king but one of honesty. They witnessed to the king that there fate was in God's hands and they would accept God's decision of their fate. This acceptance of their fate show their love of God as well as their dedication to Him. They were defiant to Nebuchadnezzar but not in an arrogant manner. Their faith shows they believe in both God's plan for them and his ability to deliver what He deems necessary.

Q2. (John 1:26-27) Why did John baptize? What is the meaning of the baptism he was performing? What do you think baptism represents to those John baptized? John baptized unto repentance in preparation of Christ's ministry. The meaning of John's baptism seems to one of purification in repentance. The people baptized by John had repented of their sins. Hopefully this symbolic act helped them accept the good news of our Messiah.

Q1. (John 1:19-23) Why do you think John the Baptist was being hassled by the religious leaders from Jerusalem? What were they afraid of? How did John understand his own mission? How much conflict do you think could be expected from John's mission? John the Baptist appears to have been well known had quite a large following. From what we know of this time people with large followings made the powers that be nervous. The religious leaders were political creatures and they were afraid the political balance between themselves and King Herod and the Romans might be upset. John the Baptist knew quite well what his mission was. He claimed the kingdom was at hand and to repent and be baptized for forgiveness of sins. This mission combined with the size of his following was certain to make many people uncomfortable. This would certainly spawn conflict from the highest levels. The message he was preaching was not designed to make people happy, but was a message with the purpose of making people realize they needed to reevaluate their relationship with God and in so doing prepare themselves for the Messiah. Jesus would face even fiercer conflict.

Q1. (Daniel 3:8-15) Why do the Jews' fellow government officials report them to Nebuchadnezzar? Why is the king so angry? What is his motivation to have people bow to the statue? it is not clear as to why the government officials report the Jews to Nebuchadnezzar but there are several possibilities. It could be the officials feel they are simply doing their duty to the king. Or it could be the officials were trying to gain the king's favor. Another reason might be they are jealous and/or resentful of the Jew's position with the king. Might be all these reasons or something else. Whatever their reason it is clear the Jews were not obeying the king's orders. Nebuchadnezzar was angry because his orders were being disobeyed. To make it worse, his government officials were disobeying his direct orders. It isn't clear why Nebuchadnezzar wanted people to bow to the statue. It does appear to be a display of the king's power and authority. By forcing officials to bow to this immense statue upon penalty of death Nebuchadnezzar is cementing his will upon Babylon.

Q5. (John 1:18) What does it mean that Jesus is the "Only God" or the "Only Begotten God"? Does the Apostle John seem to make a distinction between God the Father and God the Son? What does all this mean for our understanding of the Trinity? These terms are used to show the relationship between God and Jesus. God and Jesus are both God but are two different persons of the trinity. The word "begotten" is used to show the unique relationship of Jesus to God the Father, the only one to come forth. The Apostle John makes a distinction between God and Jesus. John makes the claim that Jesus became flesh in order to explain God in ways man could understand. The concept of the trinity is strengthened by John's discourse. He explains very distinctly how Jesus is eternal with the Father yet subservient, how Jesus is separate yet one with the Father. John has one of the clearest explanations of Jesus divinity but one of the most complex explanations. Understanding John goes a long way toward understanding God.

Q4. (John 1:14) Why is the idea of God "becoming flesh" so important to the basis of the Christian faith? What would Christ's life, crucifixion, and resurrection mean if he were only pretending to "become flesh"? In what ways have you personally experienced his grace? In what ways has his truth changed your life from what it was? The death and resurrection of Christ is the central theme of Christian faith. The fact that God loves us so much and is willing to become a servant to us and to humble himself to us is almost inconceivable. Add the fact that God sent Jesus to be crucified and be resurrected, for us, so we may be saved is almost incomprehensible. If Christ had been pretending to be flesh then the entire basis of Christianity would be meaningless. How could death be conquered if no death occurred? How could a resurrection happen if no one died? All would have been a mere illusion with salvation a lie. Each person's experience of grace is personal. Accepting Christ for me was like suddenly everything made perfect sense. All my years of wandering were over. While Christ still has a lot of work to do, He has helped me get rid of all my anger and has given my life direction.

Q3 (John 1:12-13) What does it mean to "receive" Jesus? What does it imply to "believe in" Jesus? What is the spiritual relationship to God of those who receive and believe in Jesus? Of those who do not? To receive Jesus is to take Jesus completely into your life, to accept His authority. To believe Jesus is to completely accept Him as true and trust His truth. Heb 11:1 "Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Spiritually those that believe in and receive Jesus become children of God. Not only do we wrap our lives around Jesus but Jesus wraps himself around us, He "adopts" us. Unfortunately those that do not accept Jesus shall not see the kingdom of God.

Q3. (Daniel 2:44) What does verse 44 teach us about the kingdom that the God of heaven will set up? What kingdom is this? When does this kingdom come? How is this related to Mark 1:15? When will it destroy all other kingdoms? Verse 44 teaches first of the power of God! Daniel has learned, by way of dream interpretation, that God will set up a temporal kingdom. This kingdom will be established by God, not men. This kingdom will destroy all other dominions and nations. This kingdom will be eternal and indestructible. This will be the kingdom of God that Jesus will establish. This kingdom will come in the days of the kings determined in this dream. Mark 1:15 records Jesus as saying "...the kingdom is at hand." This is the kingdom of God Daniel's prophesy predicted. The kingdom inaugurated by Jesus is a moral and spiritual kingdom. The final act, the second coming of Jesus, is known only by God the Father.

Q2. (John 1:7-8) What did it mean that John was sent to "testify" to the light? In what sense are you put here with the purpose of "testifying" to the light? How are you doing in this regard? What happened to John the Baptist? What might happen to you if you testify clearly? What might happen to the people to whom you testify? To testify means to give proof of something. John the Baptist was chosen to prepare the way for the Messiah by preaching repentance and baptism. Jesus is the "Light". All are placed on this earth to accept Jesus, the Light, as our savior and in so doing be witnesses for salvation in Jesus. Being a witness is not easy, not something everyone wants to hear. Being a Christian today is not always...let's just say respected. John the Baptist spoke the truth and the king's wife did not appreciate the truth. Because of this John was beheaded. Testifying to the truth can cause extreme emotions in others. Many do not want to hear the truth of the Light. Hopefully my testimony can lead some to salvation.

Q2. (Daniel 2:27-28) How does Daniel show humility in this situation? How does he use this situation as an opportunity to witness before the king to his faith in God? According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, should we try to exalt ourselves? If we do so, what will happen? After the dream and the interpretation are revealed to Daniel he sings his praises to God. When Daniel is taken before Nebuchadnezzar he makes it clear no man could know and interpret the dream but God, and DID! Daniel made sure the king knew it was God working through him. According to 1 Peter 5:5-6 we should humble ourselves before God. God will determine if and when He will exalt us.

Q1. (John 1:1-3) According to the Apostle John, is Jesus fully God? What does it mean that Jesus is the “Word”? What does this say about him and his ministry? John leaves no doubt Jesus is fully God. Jesus is being presented as the Creator. The is why John refers to Jesus as the Word. God spoke and Jesus created. Jesus entered the physical world to show man the true nature of God. God is Spirit and is beyond the physical. Because of this man could never truly know God. Jesus, by becoming flesh, was able to give the apostles a deep understanding of who God is and how He cares for us. This is the purpose of Jesus' ministry.

Why does Daniel ask his friends to "plead for mercy"? According to Scripture, is intercessory prayer important? Is it effective? How can we implement intercessory prayer in our churches? Daniel asks his friends to "plead for mercy" regarding the mystery to escape execution. Daniel realized that both knowing and interpreting the dream was a way to not only escape punishment but also showing the greatness of God. Intercessory prayer is important and effective. The Bible is replete with God answering intercessory prayer. Most, if not all, Christian churches have implemented intercessory prayer as part of their daily ministry. Prayer requests are a good example of intercessory prayer.

What is Daniel's first approach to eat a different diet? What does he do when his first attempt failed? What is his demeanor towards those over him? In what ways do you think God affects the outcome of Daniel's request? Daniel's initially went to the chief official over their care and requested different food. This request was met with a firm "NO". When this failed Daniel realized he needed to make a request that tested the assumption made by the chief official and gave the officials a way out. Daniel's demeanor is one that allows for a peaceful solution, an attitude that is not threatening or demanding. In this way the official was willing to accommodate his request especially since he was liked by the chief official. The fact that Daniel was accommodating and not troublesome initially went a long way toward the officials compromise. God was watching over Daniel and his friends due to the faith and love these men displayed. I believe just the fact that these young men were so devoted to God made a difference in their overall demeanor and God aided them both in their mental courage and in their physical condition through their dietary test.

Hello! I am Michael. Living in South Dakota but from East Texas. Hoping to get back there someday. These lessons are really great. Hopefully the Lord will grant me the time to go through them all.

Why do you think Daniel took a stand concerning being defiled by the king's food and wine? How do you think eating the king's food would cause defilement to Daniel's conscience? What does this tell you about Daniel? The issue of food is a serious issue to the Hebrews. Not only are there restrictions about what meat and fish can be eaten but also restrictions about how it is to be prepared before cooking. Same with how wine is prepared. No deviation is acceptable. To eat or drink anything not properly prepared is a sin in Daniel's eyes. Obviously sin is something this young man takes very seriously! Anything is preferable to the breaking of God's law. Daniel is a young man that is truly faithful to God and apparently loves the Creator. This faith and love helps him in his acclimation to his life changing situation. We should all take lessons from this young man!

Q2. (Daniel 1:1-7) What changes did Daniel and his friends experience? What was their status in Jerusalem? In Babylon? What do you think was the effect of changing their names to Babylonian names? What impact might it have on them to be made eunuchs? Did they make compromises? If so, why? Daniel and his friends went from a life of plenty to a life of restriction. Everything they had ever known was gone. Now they were subject to the arbitrary whims of a foreign king. They were privileged in Jerusalem but were slaves to the king in Babylon. The name change appears to be psychological. This is intended to help them lose their Jewish identity. Being made a eunuch would be extremely terrifying to these young men who had never known this type of brutality. They had to make compromises, most of which were forced upon them. However these young men appear smart enough to know what battles to pick. All these changes have not affected their relationship with God. These compromises are acceptable because they do value their relationship with God. They probably realize they may never see their home in Jerusalem and know their life has changed. They must accept being subservient in a new world but they know when, and how, to negotiate the important issues concerning their relationship with God!

Q1. (Daniel 1:1-5) Have you ever made a rapid transition between your customary culture and a new and radically different culture? What did it feel like? Were you able to take your faith with you, or did it fade to the background during this time? Closest ever coming to a culture change was starting at a new school in seventh grade. Moved from a big city to a small town. Nothing like Daniel's change. My faith was not challenged but adjusting to small town life was difficult.