Daniel: The Writing on the Wall | Surrounded By Lions Part 4 | Chris Gregg

In this episode, we explore the story of Daniel and how he lived faithfully for God within a godless culture. We discover that the same spirit of Babylon that existed then is the same spirit that exists today. However, just as the Spirit of God lived within Daniel, we have the same Spirit of God living within us today.The main theme in Daniel 4 & 5 is pride, and we learn that God confronts the pride in our hearts. We examine how pride can deceive us and lead to destruction, as famously quoted by CS Lewis and Abraham Lincoln. Daniel's encounter with King Nebuchadnezzar shows us how God pursues human hearts, and that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.As we delve into Daniel 4, we see Nebuchadnezzar's downfall due to his pride, and how he was humbled by God. We reflect on the importance of breaking off our sins by practicing righteousness and showing mercy to the oppressed. Additionally, we explore the concept of God's patience, as highlighted in 2 Peter 3:9, where God desires all to reach repentance.Moving on to Daniel 5, we witness the prideful actions of King Belshazzar, who held a great feast and defiled the vessels from the temple in Jerusalem. A supernatural event occurs with the appearance of a hand writing on the wall, leading to the interpretation that Belshazzar's kingdom would come to an end. We explore the questions raised by this story, such as what we may be numbing out with and what voices we are listening to. We emphasize the importance of being aware of God's hand in our lives.In conclusion, "The Writing on the Wall" provides powerful insights on living faithfully for God within a godless culture. It explores the consequences of pride and the pursuit of God's heart. Listeners are encouraged to examine their own lives, confront pride, and seek a deeper awareness of God's presence. Don't miss this episode to discover how to navigate the challenges of a godless culture with steadfast faith.