Daniel 7-9

This section begins with Daniel's account of a dream that he had during his sleep. Daniel's dream involved four great beasts that came from the sea. Discuss the dream as a group. 

1. If the interpretation was not given to you, what would be some of the thoughts associated with this dream?

2. Would it trouble you? Is it a comforting dream?

Daniel is given the interpretation of his dream. Within the dream, he learns the meaning of the fourth beast. Traditionally, the fourth beast has been associated w/ the rise of the Antichrist.

Review vs 19-26. 

1. Do you think these events will happen in your lifetime? What do you think this will look like?

2. Despite the aggressive nature of the fourth beast and the kingdoms associated with it, the Most High will destroy their attempts to overthrow Him.

-Do you think that they will be aware of this outcome?

-Does it seem futile that they would battle against God anyway?

-Why do we do it?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Daniel 7-9

Daniel 6

Daniel in the Den of Lions

With God on His side, Daniel has continued to distinguish himself during the reign of Darius. In a jealous response, his opponents attempted to find corrupt charges against Daniel. In the end, they were unable to find neither corruption or negligence. Instead they approached King Darius with a proposition to trap Daniel- If anyone prayed to anyone except the king, send him or her to the den of lions.

1. Review vs 10. What does Daniel's boldness say about his faith? How did this boldness develop? Why did he not change his normal routine?

2. Do you think that others took notice and displayed similar courage or did they choose to bow before the king?

After seeing that Daniel did not bow before the king, his opponents bring the charge before Darius. Based on the decree that Darius issued, Daniel is sent to the den of lions.

1. What do you think was going through Daniel's mind as he was being lowered into the den? Do you think he was having any second thoughts?

2. As this event happened after his friends were rescued from the fiery furnace, do you think he naturally felt that God would save him also? Was this feeling strengthened when God shut the mouths of the lions? 

Discuss the remainder of the story with your connection group. 

1. Do you think that Daniel ever took his relationship with God for granted? If your life had events where God's influence could not be questioned, would you attribute this to the living God or would you note it as coincidence? 

Teacher: Troy Nesbitt

Daniel 6

Connection Group Leaders Kick-Off

Please note that this weekend is Cornerstone's Connection Group Leader's Kick-off Training.

If you are a Connection Group leader or Co-leader in one of Cornerstone's geographic regions, please contact Cornerstone for more information.

FYI...

Where: Cornerstone Gym

When: Aug 17, 2008

            2-5 pm, a meal will follow.

BY INVITATION ONLY

 

Daniel 3

At the end of chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar indicates that he feels that the God of Daniel is a God that reveals mysteries. He notes that this God is "the God of gods and the Lord of Kings." However, his true heart is revealed in chapter 3....

1. What was the motivation behind Nebuchadnezzar's decision to make a golden image of himself?

-What would have compelled him to make the announcement he made to Daniel at the end of chapter 2, (vs 47,) and then move forward with the decision to make this image?

2. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego decide to NOT bow down to the image of Nebuchadnezzar.

Despite persecution that they face, they unashamedly decide to make this courageous choice.

Nebuchadnezzar's response is to prepare a blazing furnace for them to be thrown into.

A. Does this change their minds? What does vs 16 and 17 reveal about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's faith?

-What does it say about their understanding of God's Will?

B. Consider if you were in a similar situation.

-How would you respond?

-What would you be thinking as you are approaching the enterance to the fiery furnace?

-On a smaller level, do you face persecution in your workplace or in your relationships in regard to your faith in Christ? How do you respond?

Teacher: Jeff Dodge

Daniel 3

Daniel 2

King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and he summons his royal court with a unusual task: 1. Tell him what the dream was and 2. interpret it.

1. Why would Nebuchadnezzar demand that he be told what his dream was before it was interpreted?

Vs 10 explores the problem the royal court faced: No man on the earth could do what Nebuchadnezzar was asking! Facing execution also, Daniel and his friends pray for God to intervene.

 If you were facing a similar situation, how would you react? Would prayer be the first thing you would do?

-Why would God intervene in your problem?

2. Daniel advises Nebuchadnezzar that indeed no man on this earth would be able to fulfill the king's request. He then indicates, in v 28, that there is a God in Heaven who reveals mysteries.

-Daniel then begins to discuss w/ the king what his dream was and what it will come to pass as a result of it.

Daniel tells the king that in time, Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom will fall and new kingdoms will rise in its place. He also reveals that one day the God of Heaven will build His kingdom and it will endure forever. 

1. If you were the king, how would you respond to this information? (Read chapter 3 for the kings response...)

2. Why did Daniel give God glory in this story? If he knew the dream and the meaning of the dream, why didn't he use it for his own glory?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Daniel 2