Spring Teaching Series 2025: The Book of Daniel

Exploring God's reign over all nations

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your majesty's hand. But ever if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18

God reigns over all nations and all of history. His people should stay faithful, knowing that he is sovereign even when a human perspective suggests otherwise.

Context/dates/author:
The Book of Daniel records events between 605в.c. and 536в.c during the Babylonian exile. Both Jewish and Christian traditions hold Daniel to be the author, which dates the book to the 6th century (arguments that it was written in the 2nd century are not persuasive!).

Recommended reading:
• Daniel For You, David Helm: "We live in difficult times to be people who obey God and worship him alone. How can we be confident under pressure and faithful in the fire? In this readable, accessible, exciting volume walking through one of the best-loved books of the Bible, David Helm shows how Daniel and his friends learned how to live in Babylon, far from their home in God’s land—and how we can do the same."

• Teaching Daniel: From text to message, Bob Fyall and Robin Sydserff: "This useful resource, alongside the others in this growing Teaching the Bible Series, is for those with the privilege and joy of teaching or preaching a particular book or theme from the Bible. Whether you’re a leader of a small group, preacher, or youth worker, it will help you communicate the message of Daniel."

Spring Preaching Series Plan

• January 5     - Daniel 1 God reigns in exile
• January 12   - Daniel 2 God reigns over the world's kingdoms
• January 19   - Daniel 4 God reigns over rulers
• January 26   - Daniel 5 God reigns over history
• February 2   - Daniel 3 God reigns over his persecuted people
• February 9   - Daniel 7 God reigns over the future
• February 16 - Daniel 8 God reigns over the nations
• February 23 - Daniel 9 God reigns, and his people pray
• March 2       - Daniel 6 God reigns over life and death
• March 9       - Daniel 10-12 God reigns from now to eternity (part 1)
• March 16     - Daniel 10-12 God reigns from now to eternity (part 2)
• March 23     - Luke 18:31-34 Jesus and the prophets 
• March 30    - Luke 18:35-43 Jesus and the blind man
• April 6         - Luke 19:10 Jesus and the tax collector

Autumn Preaching Series 2024: Hebrews

In the letter to the Hebrews, the author addresses a group of Christians under pressure to walk away from Jesus and his message. But they're reminded that God has spoken a superior and final word through his Son, Jesus, as they're shown time and again how Jesus is better than the old ways of doing things. In the letter to the Hebrews, we are reminded, along with its original readers, to stick with him, keeping our eyes on him and the wonderful message of salvation he brings.

Summer Preaching Series 2024: Sorrow in the Psalms

Finding solace in the Psalms, how do we express our sufferings? Throughout the summer, we will preach from the Psalms of Lament and learn how to express our sadness and sorrow in a way that leads us to faith and hope in Christ.

Preaching Series 2024: Exodus part two

Spring Preaching Series 2024: Titus

Paul’s letter to Titus is a short letter - it takes approximately 7 minutes to read through - but it’s packed with theological and practical warnings and encouragement. As we enter a period of interregnum at St John’s, this letter will help us revisit the significance of having godly leaders in the home, in character and doctrine. But it’s not just about church leadership; it’s also about the importance of evangelism and the local church.

HOPE

For our new teaching series over the Autumn months, we'll be considering Authority, Power & Compassion. These talks will be following Matthews Gospel Chapters 8-12.

Special services

For our new teaching series over the summer months, we'll be considering Five Foundational Features of a Functioning Church. This picks up on the Letters to the Churches from last term. We have produced a "Letter to Felbridge" (which you can read by clicking here) which considers how the Holy Spirit may be encouraging and challenging us as a church at the moment. Please have a read and pray about this and let us know what you think. Not everything will apply to everyone! The new teaching series will be tackling five of the things in this letter

Click to open the Bible projects page on Revelation to see an overview of the book.