Called To Courage
Connection Points
Dr. Cole Phillips
January 14, 2024

“…Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine,” Daniel 1:8

Jesus said, “When you fast…” Matthew 6:16

“Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15

Fasting Guide

https://theconnectionchurch.org/14-days-of-fasting

COURAGE SETS YOU

Reveal Answer
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Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Daniel 6:3

At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Daniel 6:4

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

COURAGE GROWS IN

Reveal Answer
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This Week’s Power Verse:

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3

“A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed.” Daniel 6:17

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Ministry Highlights

  • First Look Nights

During the week of January 16-19, 2024, Pastor Cole and Pam will be hosting a series of First Look Nights concerning the new property for our Buda location and new parking in San Marcos. If you would like to attend one of these briefings or get more info CLICK HERE.

  • Baptism Sunday

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Jesus. If you have made a personal decision to begin a relationship with Christ and have not yet been baptized, we invite you to sign-up for baptism next NEXT Sunday, January 21st during any of our Celebration Services. If you have questions or would like to “Take The Plunge” CLICK HERE.

  • Freedom Night

Find freedom from fears, anxiety, self-destructive behaviors, addictions or anything else, you are invited to attend our “Freedom Rally” on Monday, January 22nd at 6:30pm at our Buda Campus. You’ll hear powerful testimonies from people in the church who have graduated from this amazing program & learn what real recovery looks like. Get started on your road to recovery today! RSVP HERE!

CONNECTION GROUP QUESTIONS:

  1. Discuss the story of Benjamin Mee and the zoo. How can twenty seconds of insane courage make a significant impact on your life?
  2. Share a time in your life when courage played a crucial role. What happened as a result?
  3. How can courage positively influence our marriages, parenting, and daily interactions at work, in the locker room, and in the classroom?
  4. In what ways do you think being made in God’s image gives us an incredible capacity for courage? How does God infuse courage into our lives?
  5. What do you think is most difficult about living courageously for God and not blending in?
  6. What would a choice be like today between the “royal food” and God’s way? What’s at stake for you in that choice?
  7. Explore Daniel’s early courageous choices in Babylon, such as refusing to defile himself with the king’s food. How did Daniel’s resolve set the foundation for his later courageous acts?
  8. How do you respond to pressure or criticism when it comes to standing for your convictions?
  9. Discuss the concept of fasting as a spiritual exercise. Have you ever practiced fasting, and if so, what benefits did you experience? How can fasting contribute to developing courage and convictions in our spiritual lives?
  10. How does standing for what is Biblically correct differ from being politically correct? Share examples.
  11. How can being a part of our Connection Group help you stand firm in your convictions?
  12. How can our group pray for you this week?