Faith in a Crisis

Do we have a hidden side? Jesus? People know? Hard to share

No evangelism no fulfilled purpose: Daniel from safe place to unsafe

Easy with fellow believers; Hard in an indifferent and hostile place

Opportunities come to you in a hard place? Reveal or hide faith?

Things possible? Point: God is always at work(not past or future)

Secondary: God uses pain as an instrument (pain keeps us back)

Sin; ignorance, no power: “God, what you up to?” How can I solve?

When we face the consequences of sin…1:1-2 (u might be UMC)

Daniel sees God's activity in time of exile (history?)

Debbie: God’s faithfulness not just the good stuff

Daniel here because of judgement; discipline good or bad?

Judgment with a purpose (instrument) v. Judgment from anger

When we are ignorant…2:3; 2:28 (Prevenientt Grace-before )

Nebuchadnazzer: God works through dreams? (cruel king open faith)

Our ignorance of God; partial understanding of how God works

(e.g. openly stubborn) - too old to change mind; asking = answers

Ignorance as an instrument: asking brings answers (youtube)

Daniel also ignorant - seeks God and sees Him; God uses ignorance

When evil has power over us….2:5; 2:37; tryant, crazy decisions

Powerless against power: no power but voice; protest y or no?

Power forces: sickness; People: political leader or boss or parent

e.g. parishioner hating supervisor; evil is not complete power

Daniel sees God at work - powerlessness is an instrument

When things are going downhill….2:44 Hell in a hand basket:

Weird dream =-Statue: God sets up and takes down nations

Not just personal control, but the world’s direction

Conclusion - Jesus, cross perfect ex of 2 points:

Punishment; ignorance; oppression - God at work?