Kingdoms That Shape You by Michael Rowntree (Daniel 1:1–21)

Have you ever felt the subtle, persistent pressure of a culture trying to squeeze you into its mold—reshaping your values, your language, and even your very identity? In this message on Daniel 1:1–21, Michael Rowntree unpacks the "lived wisdom" of four teenagers in exile, showing that we live in the midst of a "beastly" empire that uses assimilation and identity reformation to demand our ultimate allegiance. He explains how Daniel and his friends navigated this pressure by yielding where possible—accepting new names and a pagan education—while drawing a firm, quiet line at the king’s table to remain ritually clean and faithful to Yahweh. Yet, he reminds us that behind the machinery of human empires is the God who "gives". From handing over Jerusalem in judgment to granting favor, wisdom, and superior skill to His exiles, God remains the true sovereign who governs every outcome. This invites us to live with confidence rather than panic, knowing that when we prioritize God’s kingdom, He sustains us and grants a wisdom that far outshines the most sophisticated systems of our age.