Text: Daniel 1:1-7

Introduction.

• In 605 BC, in the reign of Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylon invaded Jerusalem. ( Daniel 1:1 )
• Nebuchadnezzar was intelligent when giving the orders for Ashpenaz. "Bring young men from that country to our country"

• "... Young men well informed intelligent, showing aptitude for every kind of learning..."
• "... He must teach them the language and the literature of the Babylonians."
• They were to be trained for three years.
• The idea was "change the minds of those immigrants".
• To "Brainwash" them.
• Why do young people abandon their faith when going to a University?
• If you can take courses at a Christian University, great. But what if you can’t?
• It is not the University’s responsibility to teach how to walk with God
• The University’s responsibility is give knowledge in the several academic areas.
• To teach how you walk with God is responsibly of the church.
• Question what is thrown at you. Never your faith.
• If you have solid biblical principles, you can study at any University.
• Illustration: American Pastor accepted Jesus in a non-Christian University.
• I Corinthians 2:16 - We have Christ’s mind.
• How?
• If we let the Spirit reveals God’s thoughts to us through the Bible. The Bible shows how God thinks.

• Daniel 1:11-12 - Daniel makes a deal with the leader of the officials.
• God promised to bless the simplest food. Exodus 23:25
• Chapter 1 of Daniel has been used by vegetarians.
• I cannot imagine Jesus, in the NT, as a vegetarian.
• Those immigrants only wanted to avoid the king’s food.
• I Corinthian 6:19-20 – A principle
• Prostitution, over eating, alcohol, sleep, exercises. Avoids what does not glorify.
• Temple = dwelling of the Holy Spirit.

• Daniel means "God is my Judge".
• Belteshazzar means: Prince of Bell, a pagan god.
• Michael means "Who is like God".
• Meshach: "Who is like Aku", the god of the moon.
  Hananiah means "Jehovah is merciful"
• Shadrach: "Friend of the King"
• Azariah means "Jehovah is my help"
• Abdenego: "Servant of Nego". An Idol that represented Mercury.
• Ashpenaz could change their "exterior" but not their "interior".
• John 9:25 "I was blind and now I see." He had an experience.
• Illustration: How many immigrants change gods in the America. Mammon is the god here.
• Failure on the test of faith.

Conclusion.

• ".... to bring. ... from the royal family and the nobility."
• Who are we? I Pedro 2:9,10.
• We have 2 or even 3 citizenship. (Brazilian-American-Celestial)
• 3 tests: Mind, Flesh and faith.
• We have Christ’s mind.
• We are temple of the Holy Spirit.
• Keep your faith. Paul’s example.