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Daniel 9:1-4 It was the first year of the reign of Darius the Mede, the son of Ahasuerus, who became king of the Babylonians. 2 During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the Lord, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years.[. (NLT) 1. Recognize we are in a spiritual battle Daniel 9:3-4 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, (NIV) Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (NIV) Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. (NLT) 2. Spiritual battles are fought with spiritual weapons Daniel 9:3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes. (NLT) Daniel 9:5-6 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land (NIV) Daniel 9:8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. (NIV) Daniel 9:20-23 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision: (NIV) 3. God will fulfill His promises to His people Daniel 9:4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. (NLT) Daniel 9:25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty-two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times. (NLT) Matthew 16:18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (NLT) 3 Key Focuses to God Building His Church 1. People’s Church is focused on accomplishing God’s vision for our church 1. Know God Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (NIV) Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (NIV) 2. Grow in God Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV) September 20 Small Group Launch 3. Discover purpose 4. Make a difference 2. People’s Church is focused on being diversified and unified Ephesians 4:3–4 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. (NLT) John 13:35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (NLT) 3. People’s Church is focused on helping your life flourish Psalm 92:13 planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. (NIV)