Babylon was more than an empire; it was a system designed to reshape God's people in its own image. In Thriving In Babylon II, we explore what it means to live faithfully in a culture that challenges our convictions and identity. Drawing from Daniel's story, this series unpacks 48 biblical principles that teach us how to stay grounded in faith, hold onto integrity, walk with wisdom, and live with courage and eternal hope, even when the world around us pressures us to conform. Babylon is temporary, but God's kingdom is forever.
Watch our podcast Stuff We Didn't Say On Sunday : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLehZbktpjsb1WJtFteh46Lmpi30Hgqt-j
We pray and hope that you will be encouraged and inspired as you hear todays message.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings.
Babylon was more than an empire; it was a system designed to reshape God's people in its own image. In Thriving In Babylon II, we explore what it means to live faithfully in a culture that challenges our convictions and identity. Drawing from Daniel's story, this series unpacks 48 biblical principles that teach us how to stay grounded in faith, hold onto integrity, walk with wisdom, and live with courage and eternal hope, even when the world around us pressures us to conform. Babylon is temporary, but God's kingdom is forever.
Watch our podcast Stuff We Didn't Say On Sunday : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLehZbktpjsb1WJtFteh46Lmpi30Hgqt-j
We pray and hope that you will be encouraged and inspired as you hear todays message.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings.
Babylon was more than an empire; it was a system designed to reshape God's people in its own image. In Thriving In Babylon II, we explore what it means to live faithfully in a culture that challenges our convictions and identity. Drawing from Daniel's story, this series unpacks 48 biblical principles that teach us how to stay grounded in faith, hold onto integrity, walk with wisdom, and live with courage and eternal hope, even when the world around us pressures us to conform. Babylon is temporary, but God's kingdom is forever.
Watch our podcast Stuff We Didn't Say On Sunday : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLehZbktpjsb1WJtFteh46Lmpi30Hgqt-j
We pray and hope that you will be encouraged and inspired as you hear todays message.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings.
Babylon was more than an empire; it was a system designed to reshape God's people in its own image. In Thriving In Babylon II, we explore what it means to live faithfully in a culture that challenges our convictions and identity. Drawing from Daniel's story, this series unpacks 48 biblical principles that teach us how to stay grounded in faith, hold onto integrity, walk with wisdom, and live with courage and eternal hope, even when the world around us pressures us to conform. Babylon is temporary, but God's kingdom is forever.
Watch our podcast Stuff We Didn't Say On Sunday : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLehZbktpjsb1WJtFteh46Lmpi30Hgqt-j
We pray and hope that you will be encouraged and inspired as you hear todays message.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings.
Babylon was more than an empire; it was a system designed to reshape God's people in its own image. In Thriving In Babylon II, we explore what it means to live faithfully in a culture that challenges our convictions and identity. Drawing from Daniel's story, this series unpacks 48 biblical principles that teach us how to stay grounded in faith, hold onto integrity, walk with wisdom, and live with courage and eternal hope, even when the world around us pressures us to conform. Babylon is temporary, but God's kingdom is forever.
Watch our podcast Stuff We Didn't Say On Sunday : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLehZbktpjsb1WJtFteh46Lmpi30Hgqt-j
We pray and hope that you will be encouraged and inspired as you hear todays message.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings.
Babylon was more than an empire; it was a system designed to reshape God's people in its own image. In Thriving In Babylon II, we explore what it means to live faithfully in a culture that challenges our convictions and identity. Drawing from Daniel's story, this series unpacks 48 biblical principles that teach us how to stay grounded in faith, hold onto integrity, walk with wisdom, and live with courage and eternal hope, even when the world around us pressures us to conform. Babylon is temporary, but God's kingdom is forever.
Watch our podcast Stuff We Didn't Say On Sunday : https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLehZbktpjsb1WJtFteh46Lmpi30Hgqt-j
We pray and hope that you will be encouraged and inspired as you hear todays message.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings.
Daniel’s faithfulness in the classroom and dining hall prepared him for the throne room. Once your identity is secure, you can walk into Babylon’s palace with confidence.
Daniel’s faithfulness in the classroom and dining hall prepared him for the throne room. Once your identity is secure, you can walk into Babylon’s palace with confidence.
Babylon’s goal is to reshape identity, but Daniel teaches us how to remain faithful in exile. This week we explore five powerful laws: remember God is sovereign, show up in exile without losing who you are, refuse false labels, honor God in small things, and negotiate faithfully not rebelliously. These principles guide us to thrive in Johannesburg’s modern “Babylon” with integrity and faith.
In Week 6 of If I Was Your Pastor, we are called to press into the culture around us with gospel clarity. The Word of God equips us to bring light where there is darkness, to live faithfully in our communities, and to respond like Jesus when the world pushes back. Discover how to engage culture with conviction, compassion, and clarity.
In Week 4 of If I Was Your Pastor, we are reminded that forgiveness is not optional for followers of Jesus. Forgiving others frees our hearts, heals relationships, and reflects the grace we ourselves have received. Learn how forgiveness breaks the chains of bitterness and opens the way to real freedom.
In Week 3 of If I Was Your Pastor, we are reminded that true growth and transformation come from being rooted in God’s Word. The Bible is not just a book, it is living and active, shaping us to walk in truth and freedom. Learn why staying in Scripture is essential for a strong and lasting faith.
In Week 2 of If I Was Your Pastor, we are challenged to stay faithful to the unique assignments God has given us. Your calling might not look like someone else’s, but it is just as important in His plan. Discover how to serve with consistency, courage, and trust that God is working through your obedience.
Know God and Make Him Known.
Blessings!
In the first message of our new series If I Was Your Pastor, we hear a deeply personal story of rescue, redemption, and radical love. God delights in you, and He saves not because of what you’ve done but because of who He is. Discover how the woman at the well [John 4] and we can find freedom in the living water only Jesus offers.
Know God and Make Him Known.Blessings!
CHECK IN:
How are you doing this week?
Have you prayed and read your Bible consistently the past week?
Who is someone you’re praying to share Jesus with this week, and what’s one way
you can love them well?
REFLECTION:
Q1: What sticks out to you?
Q2: What does Isaiah say will quake and shake in the presence of God?
Q3: Consider how this terrifying God wants us to approach Him (Isaiah 64:8)?
Q4: Why do you think this is? What do you think this means?
THOUGHT:
Nations and mountains will shake, quake and tremble in the presence of God, whilst we
can speak to Him as our Father.
Take time to pray to your Heavenly Father as a group today, bringing your needs, your
praise and your thanksgiving.
PRAY TOGETHER
CHECK IN:
How are you doing this week?
Have you prayed and read your Bible consistently the past week?
Who is someone you’re praying to share Jesus with this week, and what’s one way you can love them well?
INTRODUCTION:
Today we will be studying chapter 61 of Isaiah and looking at the work that the Messiah will do in humanity.
WORD:
Read aloud together or take turns.
Suggestion: Read in different Bible translations. It is okay if this takes a while.
ISAIAH 61:1-7
REFLECTION:
Q1: What sticks out to you?
Q2: Follow the word ‘instead’ in the above text. What do you notice? What does the Messiah give us?
Q3: What is the result of this work? What will become of us who receive it (Is. 61:5-6)?
THOUGHT:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…’
We need the Spirit of the Lord upon and in us if we are to minister to God and accomplish anything that God has called us to.
Have you been filled with the Spirit? Take time to pray for this as a group.
PRAY TOGETHER
CHECK-IN
How are you doing this week?
Have you prayed and read your Bible consistently over the past week?
Who is someone you’re praying to share Jesus with this week, and what’s one way you can love them well?
INTRODUCTION
Today we will be studying Isaiah chapter 58, looking at what God considers to be a ‘proper’ fast.
WORD
Read aloud together or take turns.
Suggestion: Use different Bible translations. It’s okay if this takes time.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:1-14
REFLECTION
What sticks out to you?
How were the people of Judah fasting? (Isaiah 58:3-4)
What kind of fast does God call His people to? (Isaiah 58:5-7)
Consider and discuss the result of God’s kind of fast. (Isaiah 58:8-11)
THOUGHT
Many times in our faith we can be so outcome and results driven that we miss experiencing the will of God in our unanswered prayers.
Share a story or two of when an unanswered prayer, in hindsight, became a blessing for you.
PRAY TOGETHER
CHECK-IN
How are you doing this week?
Have you been consistent in prayer and Bible reading?
Who is someone you’re praying to share Jesus with, and how can you love them well this week?
INTRODUCTION
Today, we’re diving into Isaiah 43:14 to 25 to explore God’s intentional redemptive power in our lives.
WORD
Read aloud together or take turns. Try using different Bible translations (it’s okay if this takes time).
REFLECTION
What stands out to you?
What are the “former things” Isaiah refers to?
What is the “new thing” God is doing in Isaiah 43:19 to 28?
Do you feel you’re currently living in that new thing God has done or is doing in your life?
THOUGHT
Shame can keep us stuck in places from which God has already rescued us.
Where do you need prayer and encouragement this week as you reflect on guilt or shame in your life?
PRAY TOGETHER
CHECK-IN:
How has your week been? Have you been consistent in prayer and reading your Bible? Who are you praying to share Jesus with, and how can you love them well?
INTRODUCTION:
Today, we dive into Isaiah 39 & 40 and explore the greatness of God in contrast to material gains.
WORD:
Let’s read aloud together or take turns and try different Bible translations!
REFLECTION:
THOUGHT:
Pride is dangerous, it can disguise itself as self-pity, self-esteem, or even defending our rights. Where is pride hiding in your life?
PRAY TOGETHER
Join us as we reflect, discuss, and pray!
CHECK IN:
How are you doing this week?
Have you prayed and read your Bible consistently the past week?
Who is someone you’re praying to share Jesus with this week, and what’s one way
you can love them well?
INTRODUCTION:Today we will be studying portions of chapter 28, 30, 31 of Isaiah and the ways we seekfor and find security outside God.
WORD:
Read aloud together or take turns.
Suggestion: Read in different Bible translations. It is okay if this takes a while.
ISAIAH 28:16; 30:1-5; 31:1-3
REFLECTION:
Q1: What sticks out to you?
Q2: Who do the people of God turn to for protection in Isaiah 30:1-5?
Q3: Why does the human heart do this? We do we pursue other gods? Why do we returnto Egypt?
Q4: What are the consequences for turning and trusting Pharoah in Isaiah 31:1-3?
THOUGHT: To turn in the Bible refers to repentance. Turning away from one thing to turn towardanother. What gods do you need to turn away from and turn instead to God?
PRAY TOGETHER