Author: Tim A.

Daniel’s Prayer (2)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

 We continue Daniel’s Prayer with Daniel 9:19-27 –

In the fifth place we see that, DANIEL’S PRAYER WAS A FERVENT PRAYER. Daniel’s heart yearned for the day of deliverance. Even though he probably knew he would never see it – he would die in Babylon – still longed for that day when the people would return to Jerusalem, rebuild its walls, streets, temple and everything that goes with it all.

He fervently prayed – ie., with passion, commitment, and fire. Here are some things which accompany fervent prayer:

Humility – Change of garments – to garments of mourning ;; shaving off the hair on the head;

Crying – almost uncontrollable weeping;

Tearing of clothes – an outward sign of sorrow;

Fasting – committed to seeing God’s will done, even to the place of denying one’s self the physical needs one may have;

Sighing, groaning, even the sweating of blood.

Fervent prayer cares nothing for the negative opinions of others – the things listed above will seem fanatical to others who are less devoted, and unconcerned.

Daniel fasted. Reasons people in the Bible fasted; 1)Private problems; 2) Hannah for a child; 3) Public disasters; 4) The death of a king and his sons (1 Samuel 31); 5) Personal grief; 6) Grief for personal sin; 7) Pity for friends or others; 8) Searching for the will of God. It would do the Church of Jesus Christ wonders, if we would begin doing some fasting. We, today, are more familiar with feasting.

 

The sixth thing we see is, that while DANIEL PRAYING, THE ANGEL GABRIEL CAME AND GAVE HIM UNDERSTANDING (vv. 20-23). Daniel prayed; confessing the sins of the people of Israel and his own sins, and lifting up supplications unto the Lord for their land. While he was praying the angel Gabriel appeared to him once again.

Gabriel said he had come to give Daniel “Skill and understanding”. I do not think it is too bold of a statement to say that it was because of Daniel’s devotion to God and His Word that God chose him for “Skill and understanding”. Daniel was fervent in prayer. He was consistent in his prayers. He was devoted to the Word of God. He was an obedient servant to God. He fasted. He wept. He mourned. I find it no surprise that God chose Daniel to give “Skill and understanding”.

Notice, the angel said, “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee..” Daniel’s prayers were heard from day one. His faith was strong in the Word of God.

The angel also tells him, “Thou are greatly beloved…” What a decree to come from the mouth of one of God’s angels.

 

In the seventh thing we see the angel giving DANIEL THE PURPOSE OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS (v. 24). This is the thing Daniel read from Jeremiah concerning Israel. In the prophecy each seven day week represents seven years, thus the seventy weeks would represent a total of 490 years. What was the purpose of these years – one week of which or seven years, has not yet come to pass.

The purpose of the seventy weeks has a six fold purpose; 1) “To finish the transgression” ie., to bring an end to Israel’s transgression – their sin and rebellion against God in worshipping idols; 2) “To make an end of sins”; 3) “To make reconciliation for iniquity”, ie., that is to reconcile the nation to God; 4) To bring in everlasting righteousness; 5) To seal up the vision of the prophecy; and 6) To anoint the most Holy.

 

In the eighth place we are told of THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH – WHO IS CHRIST JESUS (vv.25-26a). A decree would go forth for the restoration of Jerusalem from a Gentile king. There was such a decree that went forth from a king to Nehemiah to go and rebuild the walls of the city (Nehemiah 2).

The restoration of Jerusalem was done in 49 years. This period of time equals the ‘seven weeks’. There are 7 days in a week times 7 weeks equals 49 days. Each day equals 1 year. After the restoration of Jerusalem it would be 62 weeks until Messiah was ‘cut off’ this would equal 483 years. The Messiah, that is Jesus Chris, would be crucified on a cross in Jerusalem.

NOTICE – Seventy (70) weeks times 7 equals 490 weeks. This means that only 69 weeks have been fulfilled. The first 483 have been fulfilled exactly as God told Daniel. There has been approximately 2000 years since the completion of the 483 years. There remains 7 yet to be fulfilled. That seven years is known by at least two different titles; first, “The time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7); secondly, we know it better by “Tribulation period” – “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds” (Rev. 2:22). It is also known as the “Day of the LORD” in many Old Testament passages.

 

In the ninth place we see the SEVENTIETH WEEK; THE PRINCE TO COME; AND HIS COVENANT OF PEACE WITH ISRAEL (vv. 26b-27). The ‘prince that shall come’ is speaking of a deceiver. Some time following the disappearance of the saints of God, this man will come on the scene and make a peace covenant with Israel for seven years “One week”.

In the midst of the week – 3.5 years – this prince will break that covenant,a nd set himself up in the temple of God – “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God” 2 Thes. 2:3-4.

He will desolate the temple. Really just his presence in the temple will be worse than the pig which Antiochus Epiphanes placed on the altar. In his desolation he will call for the people of the world to worship him. That is when he begins running into problems. The last 3.5 years will be a time of judgment upon the earth such as no one has ever seen.

Not only will Israel be delivered during this time, but when Jesus comes to put an end to sin, they will look upon Him whom they have pierced (Rev. 1:7). In John 19:37 it says, “And again another scripture saith, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced”.

The seven years of ‘tribulation will end with Jesus coming in the clouds with His saints, conquering the rebellious nations of earth, ‘the inhabitants of earth’, cleansing the land; and reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords.

 

COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS. MARANATHA.

Reason # 7

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REASON # 7 – Because of The Stronger Emphasis on Evangelism and Missions

Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11

If there was ever a time when we as Christians should be ever vigilant in presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world it is today. There are many statistics around that tell us we are failing at the joy, and in a miserable way. Some reports that it takes about 80 people to win one soul to Christ. We are thankful for this one.

The first six reasons we have looked at were 1) The Unfulfilled Promises of God to Israel, 2) Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous Raptures, 3) The Scoffers Who Disclaim the Promise of Christ’s Return, 4) Jesus Said He Would Come Again and Take Us To a Prepared Place, 5) The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath, 6) This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ. If we do believe these things to be so then, our hearts should be burning with a passion for lost souls to come to faith in Jesus.

 

SOME REASONS WE SHOULD BE EVANGELIZING AND TAKING MISSIONS INTO THE WORLD…

 

JESUS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR COMMANDED IT (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). With things as they are in the world we do have our Lord’s Great Commission which by itself should be motivation enough to cause us to be vibrant, powerful witnesses to a world that is in darkness.

Jesus also told us that He was coming again. He told us that He would “Receive us unto Himself…” He also said that “Where I am there you shall be also…”. It is the desire of every Christian to tell others about Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection, and also that He is coming again.

After Jesus had spoken the words of Acts 1:8 we are given these words, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (KJV).

We must realize that we are called to do nothing more than present the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then, allow the Holy Spirit to make the Word of God bring forth fruit. We may win converts to ourselves, or our religion by a constant begging and pleading, giving emotional stories provoking tears and sorrow. They will not be converted to Christ. When one comes to a genuine faith in Jesus there will definitely be tears; tears of sorrow over sin; tears of a broken and contrite heart that has realized the cost our Savior paid to redeem us.

All the Savior ever asked us to do was sow the seed, and leave it to God to give the increase.

 

EVERYONE BORN INTO THIS WORLD IS BORN IN A CONDEMNED STATE, ETERNALLY SEPARATED FROM GOD John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”.

Now, to some this may sound like a harsh statement to say that all are condemned. This is not my idea. Jesus is the one who said it, “He that believeth not is condemned already”. That answers the question, “What must I do to be condemned?” The answer to that is, Absolutely nothing. Another question may come to mind, “How did I get condemned?” Answer: You were born in a condemned state, eternally separated from God.

It is only by the grace of God that even one is saved; but thanks to His wonderful, amazing grace, all who come to Him can be saved.

Believing this ought to cause us to tell everyone that we possibly can about this marvelous mercy and grace of God. God was under no obligation what so ever to redeem any of mankind. He had created Adam and Eve to love them, and glorify Himself. When they rebelled in the garden the glory was gone. They had fallen short of His glory, and that was passed down through all the human race. We are all sinners by birth, and sinners by choice.

God’s love in His righteousness, His holiness, and His judgment sent someone who was perfect and without sin. Jesus, the God-Man, born of a woman, born as a human; with all the flesh and bone that all of us have. Yet, He was without sin. Jesus took the wrath of God upon Himself, paying our sin debt, and giving to us His righteousness.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after flesh, but after the Spirit” Romans 8:1 (KJV). That is really amazing. From condemnation to light, life, and an eternity in the presence of holy God.

Believing in the Pre-trib rapture of the Church is motivation to realize the greatness of this salvation, and its complete deliverance through the coming of Jesus for those who have trusted Him.

 

THE PRESENT SITUATION IN THE WORLD ALMOST DEMANDS IT 2 Timothy 3:1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away”

I do not think I know a single family who is not presently going through a troubling time, or has gone through a troubling time with their family members. Whether it be children, teenagers, or sometimes even the grown ones. Some of the grown ones find it difficult to mature in a marriage, and so that is not working out. Some teens are being pulled away by the influence of friends who are trying to get them into drugs, drinking alcohol, even sex. Some have gotten involved in it already and are paying dire consequences for their actions.

Look at that list from Second Timothy 3. Have you ever seen a more selfish generation, than the one in which we live today? It is always ‘Gimme’, ‘Gimme’, ‘Gimme”; and this is not coming from just the children and youth. Why is it they behave that way. Parents and other adults are their models.

There is no room, no place for these behaviors in the lives of those who profess Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We are told, by Paul the apostle, in many places to cast off the works of the flesh, and to put on Jesus Christ.

The present situation in the world almost demands our witness; our Christ like witness. The world is crying out. Can we not hear them in these words of Paul, and as we look at the world of today. The wars, the street killings in our own towns and cities. It is perilous times, and it is time for the people of God to be the people of God. In Christ we ought to hear the voices saying to us, “Be the Church; stop being what we are. Show us you are different in Christ. We do not need you to be like us”.

The PRESENT SITUATION IN THE WORLD DEMANDS THAT WE LIVE LIKE CHRIST, Because Jesus is coming for His Bride.

 

KNOWING THE TERROR OF JUDGMENT OF THOSE WITHOUT CHRIST SHOULD CAUSE US TO EVANGELIZE AND DO MISSIONS 2 Cor. 5:10-11, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”

We, as Christians, of all people ought to know about the “Terror of the Lord”. The terror of the Lord is that He hates sin. By all means how can we come to any other conclusion? Jesus tells us, “If your hand offends you, cut it off”; “If your eye offends you, pluck it out”. He is showing us the seriousness of sin. The word itself, and the acts of sin are often made light of in humorous acts and comedian monologues. Paul wrote, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” Galations 6:7 (KJV). The writer of Proverbs said, “Fools make a mock at sin” Prov. 14:9 (KJV).

There are millions, even billions of people who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Many would trust and believe in Jesus if they only had a messenger to tell them about Him, and I know that God will see to that. He does send His messengers. His messengers are you and I.

Without Jesus multitudes go to an eternal torment in flames that cannot be quenched, and eating ‘worms’ that devour without destruction.

I do not know about you, but there is not one person I can think of that I want to go to this horrible, fiery, relentless judgment. There is not one enemy that I want to go to this place. This is, however, the place many will find themselves one day, because they are condemned without Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men? Are we? Jesus is coming for His Bride. MARANATHA.

Daniel’s Prayer (1)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

DANIEL’S PRAYER

 

Daniel 9:1-18

 

Daniel was first and foremost, not a prophet who could look into the future, but a man of God. He is even referred to as the “a man greatly beloved” (v. 23; 10:11). Being a “Man of God” means more than just being able to understand, tell, and know God’s will and plan for the future. It is first knowing God and loving Him.

This prayer shows us why Daniel was ‘a man greatly beloved’ – why he was a ‘man of God’. Many a preacher and pastor could learn from Daniel. Looking at Daniel we could learn to pray and know God, and know His heart. Every preacher and pastor who is leading a church, or group of Christians should be ‘a man of God’ first. Too many are now becoming “Men of the people” or “Men of the congregation”, and rather than praying they are playing. Rather than preaching the Word of God, they preach the words and philosophies of men.

In this study we will see nine different points. Six are related to the prayer, and the final three are answer to the prayer.

 

The first thing that we see was what brought Daniel to prayer, and that was HIS DEVOTION TO THE WORD OF GOD (vv. 1-2). It is quite evident that Daniel was devoted to the study of God’s Word – as much of it as he had – because he was reading very devoutly the writing of Jeremiah the prophet. It must have encouraged his heart as he ready Jeremiah 25:1-12 and 29:10 that his Nation would be held captive for only 70 years. He knew the time was getting close, and this got him on his knees.

That is how it should affect Christians today when we read the Scriptures, and see the signs the Word speaks of concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus again. Remembering that the signs are only of the Lord’s second coming – the time when Jesus will literally come to earth to rule and reign as King – should make us mindful that the rapture of the Church is nearer. Knowing this we ought to be in earnest prayer. Getting ourselves ready by confession of sin. Confessing how we have brought shame to the name of Jesus, and pleading the mercy of God upon us. The Word of God is the “Sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17); and is the only weapon we hold in our hands. Of course, the only other weapon we have is PRAYER.

 

The second point we see is HIS CONFESSION OF SIN – HIS AND HIS NATION’S (vv. 3-5, 8-9,11,14,15). Note, how many times Daniel mentions, “We have sinned”. He does not say, “They have sinned”, but “We have sinned”, “We are a sinful nation”. Any time a preacher/prophet only points out “Their sins” he is failing to communicate the whole truth. “We have sinned” is the message of every prophet of God. If we are to get right with God it must be the confession of every prophet first of all. So many times we talk about the sins of the world, when in truth it is the sins of God’s people that hinders His work; if there is a lack confession, and not repented of.

Not meaning to jump ahead – take a look at verse 20. Daniel says, “And confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel”. We cannot blame others for our spiritual decay, and captivities. It is our sin that brought us to the place of captivity we are in.

Daniel confesses God’s righteousness. Without God’s righteousness He would not be God. In His righteousness He gave us His Son Jesus; He gave us the cross; that a holy, sinless person might die to pay the sin debt that was ours.

When we walk in disobedience to God we have “confusion of face” or “open shame”. In other words, “We have disgraced our God, our identity as the people of God, and have lost our power with God”. When that happens God will do whatever is necessary to get His people where He wants us to be.

Recognizing that our time is short here on earth. Recognizing there are many lost people who need Jesus we must dedicate ourselves to prayer, the study of God’s Word, that we might be equipped for service, and to witnessing of God our Savior to every one possible. We are going to glory. If we tell them of Jesus; they at least are warned of coming judgment, and possibly may come to faith in Jesus and be in glory also.

 

The third point we see is that DANIEL RECOGNIZES GOD’S JUDGMENTS (vv. 12-14). Daniel realized that the nation of Israel was being judged by God. That was the reason for their captivity.

The Christians of our day are not recognizing the judgments of God. “It’s the weather”, “It’s the way things are”, “It’s just a man-man leading mad men”, “It’s just the way of the day”. Why are Christians not recognizing the judgments of God on our nation today? They do not know God. It takes personal accountability away. After all, what can we do about what someone else is doing to us. We can do nothing about the weather.

What are some ways God is judging America – the good ole USA? Drought, flood, earthquake, tornado, storms that seem to be wreaking vengeance upon those it strikes, this would include Winter storms of excessive snow and ice. Power outages caused by these events. Terrorism from enemies. We were once protected from these things. Now, ie., in the past ten years we have had three noted terrorist attacks one of those was from a fellow citizen of our own country. One in 1993 on the World Trade Center that caused much damage, but not like the last attack on the WTC which completely destroyed it, and killed nearly 3000 people in conjunction with the attack on the Pentagon. According to some, “God is not judging our country”. These people who say such things very much need to WAKE UP from their sleep, and take a good look at God. We are also being judged by the influences of sodomy in our country.

Because we have gotten away from God we have become tolerant of all forms of evil. Because of the philosophies of men we have an excuse for every vile affection. We call ‘adultery’ an affair. We call an unborn child ‘a mass of tissue’. We call sodomy ‘an alternative lifestyle’. There are no drunks anymore they are all ‘alcohol dependent’. If a young man murders someone, it is due to their environment in which they were raised. Why can we not quit mealy mouthin’ around about sin, call it sin, and admit we have sinned, get right with God and get God’s people and His churches back in touch with the One who created us. When God’s people get right, then there will be a much better chance of reaching the rest of the Nation, and the world.

It will begin the healing, growing, and strengthening process with God when we get on our knees and pray fervently concerning our sin, seeking forgiveness, repenting, and seeking God’s power again.

 

In the fourth point we see DANIEL RECOGNIZES THE OFFENSES AGAINST GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS (vv. 16-19). When the people of God are disobedient to Him we become a reproach to Him and to the nations or people around us. The Israelites lost their witness to surrounding nations, because they were rebellious to God, His prophets, and His Word. They began living like the world around them, they built and worshipped idols, they practiced temple prostitution, and by doing these things they committed spiritual adultery against God. Notice what Daniel prays. First, that God’s face might shine upon His desolate sanctuary; second, to purpose His ear to hear this prayer; third, open His eyes to behold the people’s desolation; and fourth, that God answer them according to His own righteousness and mercy.

Prayer is for the purpose of the glory of God. It is not a wishing well, a genie in a bottle where you get three wishes. It is not akin to tea leaves, tarot cards, or palm reading. Knowing God’s will, then praying for it to come to pass is the prayer that glorifies God. Daniel knew God’s will. He prayed God’s will, then, what he prayed came to pass. This gets us in on God’s will; rather than expecting God to get in our will. David Jeremiah said, “Our prayers really ought to be prompted out of our deep understanding of what the will of God is”.

From ‘THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL’ pg. 175. He also went on to say, “The biggest waste of time in Christendom is praying about things that God already said we shouldn’t do.” IBID.

God will answer the prayers that are prayed to glorify Him. That is how Daniel prayed. NOTE; Daniel prayed, “For we do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies…” We do not deserve it, O God, but remember Your promise. It was God’s integrity Daniel was concerned with. He knew Israel did not deserve to go back to Jerusalem; but God must keep His Word. Daniel simply knew God never broke a promise. He was demanding nothing. He was merely standing on God’s own integrity and power.

 

HAVING RECOGNIZED, FROM READING JEREMIAH THE PROPHET, OF THE SEVENTY YEAR CAPTIVITY; DANIEL PRAYS FOR GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE ACCORDING TO GOD’S MERCY (v. 18).

Men’s Kingdoms As Revealed By God (2)

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 Daniel 8:9-27

In the first installment we looked at Daniel, Cyrus and Alexander – the first of three of the personages of Daniel 8.  In this final installment we look at Antiochus Epiphanes, and the Antichrist who will come during the final week of Jeremiah’s prophecy.

ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES (vv. 9-14). One ‘great leader’ comes from out of the four heads. Antiochus (Epiphanes being a name he gave himself0 who ruled from 175 B.C. to 165 B.C.. Known as a very cruel tyrant. He called himself ‘Epiphanes’ because he believed himself to be god. Epiphanes means, “Manifestation of Light”.

The cruelty of Antiochus was he would not allow worship to any god but to himself – not even the Jews could escape giving him worship. He prohibited the Jews from honoring the Sabbath, practicing circumcision, and from obeying the Levitical dietary laws. Any Jew found with a copy of the Mosaic law would be slaughtered.

Antiochus helps us to better understand the text of Daniel’s prophecy. He attacked the Jews in their ‘Pleasant land’. He stopped their religious practices. He declared himself to be god. He desolated the temple by offering a pig on an altar of Zeus – THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION. He foreshadows the fearsome, last Gentile leader of the earth [Antichrist].

Judas Maccabeus and his followers defeated Antiochus in 165 B.C.. Because of Antiochus’s words and actions he was afflicted with a dreadful disease which ate away at his body, causing him to have a stench he himself could not tolerate. The cleansing of the temple took place as it was predicted. The twenty three hundred days is most likely numbered from the time Antiochus replaced the legitimate priest of the temple until the temple was cleansed. With the cleansing of the holy place began the “Feasts of Lights” what is known today as “Hanukkah”, and takes place around the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Antiochus is most definitely an antichrist of his time. He was not the Antichrist. The evil one to come will make Antiochus (Make Believe Epiphanes) look like a Sunday School teacher.

 

THE ANTICHRIST (vv. 23-27). What Daniel learns and writes for us to read in these verses relates to the end times when Antichrist will oppose God and His people. The “king of fierce countenance” is the Antichrist, not Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus does parallel those of Antichrist;

Both begin modestly, but increase in power and influence;

Both blaspheme God;

Both persecute the Jewish people;

Both claim godhood and place images in the temple;

Both impose their own religion upon people;

Both are opposed by a believing remnant that knows God;

Both are energized by the devil and are great deceivers;

Both appear successful and seem invincible;

Both are finally defeated by the coming of a redeemer – Judas Maccabeus defeated Antiochus; and Jesus will defeat the Antichrist.

This beast; disguised as a man; will be so vile, and evil that he will try to defeat Jesus Christ as He descends to earth with His saints, but notice what the prophet says in verse 25, “And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand”. This beast will promote evil, witchcraft, demonism, and will demand that the world worship him.

As Jesus descends upon the earth this devil incarnate will raise his hand against the one who created hands, and no hand of man will defeat this beast. How will he be defeated? By the Word going forth from the mouth of our Savior, and this is what the apostle John sees, and describes for us, “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” Revelation 19:15 (KJV). If you will remember when Jesus was beginning His ministry, being led by the Spirit into the wilderness He was tempted by the devil. How did Jesus defeat the devil? By the Word of the Lord (See Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13).

This “Prince of princes” (v. 25) is none other than Jesus Christ – also known as King of kings, Lord of lords, and God of gods. The Antichrist will oppose Jesus. He [the Antichrist] will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire. The fire which burns forever and forever.

We are not to learn prophecy for mere knowledge, nor to boost our ego, nor gain notoriety. It is to warn the people; to equip God’s people to live for the Lord as a vibrant witness for Him. To warn many that do not know of the soon coming of Jesus in judgment upon a wicked world. To call God’s people to repentance and the lost to faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Reason # 6

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REASON # 6 – This View Maintains the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-8

When we use the word ‘imminent’ we are talking about an event or thing that is ready to take place; even as ‘hanging threateningly over one’s head’.

An individual who haplessly drives their vehicle at break neck speeds will imminently be stopped and receive a speeding ticket, if they are not imminently killed in a crash caused by their speeding, reckless ways.

When we speak of the “Imminent Return of Jesus Christ” we mean that His coming is near, but we do not know when, but He is coming, and He is coming for His Bride – the Church.

If there is a ‘Mid-Tribulation’ Rapture, then the imminence is taken away, because you could count down the days from the beginning of the Tribulation to the middle of the Tribulation. In years you could figure after 3.5 years the rapture would occur. In days it would be 1260 days. If the rapture were to be after the Tribulation – Post-Tribulation Rapture – then, again, all you would need do is count the number of days and/or years, and you could /would have the answer to the day and time of the Lord’s return.

 

Let’s look at some of the affects of the imminence of Christ return:

 

IT WILL HAPPEN SUDDENLY. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” 1 Cor. 15:51-52 (KJV).

If you will note with Paul’s wording it is quite evident that, first of all, he is writing to Christians, and sharing with all that not all of us are going to sleep [die]. One of the things about being human is that we are promised/warned that we are going to die, but there is one exception, and that is the Rapture. He also tells us that at this mysterious coming we will be changed. We will not be changed into another ‘life form’, or become some type of animal. Our bodies will be changed from a ‘natural body’ to a ‘spiritual body’ (v. 44). That is the power of the “First Resurrection” (Rev. 20:5-6). All those who trust Jesus Christ will be part of the First Resurrection, but those who do not will be part of the “second death” (Rev. 2:11; 20:6,14; 21:8).

This sudden appearance will be as instant, actually quicker, as if you are driving down a rural highway and a someone on a bicycle suddenly pops from an intersecting trail directly in your lane of traffic. One of the most memorable instances I can recall of something suddenly happening was an evening when I was preaching a message at church on the coming of Jesus and speaking of the rapture happening in a sudden instant, and about that time someone’s beeper went off. We laughed, and I just added, “It can happen just that quickly and suddenly”.

 

IT WILL BE AS UNEXPECTED AS A THIEF. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” 1 Thes. 5:2. Jesus says, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up” Matthew 24:42-43.

There are some who refer to the event of the rapture of the church as a “secret rapture”, and I suppose you could call it that for those who are left behind. The snatching away of millions of Christians would come as a surprise to many. They will have been very unaware of it. It is not a secret for those, though, who believe in Jesus, and that He is coming for His Bride to deliver us from the “wrath to come”.

To many who are in the world the rapture may prove to be a relief for them. There will not be any more of those “Christian bigots” who have no tolerance of all ‘lifestyles’, but confronted all that was evil and vile. They may feel they will not have to listen to those messages on television and radio about sin, a savior, everlasting life, and asking for money.

There will have been a thief who came and stole some things away. There will be mothers who suddenly find their babies missing. Every nursery of every hospital will be empty. The wombs of every expectant mother, at the time of the rapture, will become emptied of that child. There will be husbands and fathers at home with their wives and children, and suddenly he is gone, and the smaller children with him; but mom and the unbelieving teens will remain, wondering what has happened. It could be the mother and children in some homes who disappear; this could be the case in more homes, than in the former scenario. There will be people driving down highways, interstates, streets of cities, and suddenly drivers disappear causing crashes, and traffic tie ups. Pilots flying commercial flights, and small planes will suddenly be gone. You get the picture. It will be catastrophic, and not a very pretty picture upon the earth.

Jesus is coming like a thief to those who do not know Him. Know Him and you will not be surprised at His sudden coming.

 

NO ONE KNOWS THE TIME OF HIS COMING. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” Matthew 24:36. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” Matthew 24:44.

There have been many people who have put a time for the second coming of Jesus. Charles Taze Russell the founder of the Watchtower Society, and sometimes called “Russellites” set a date back in 1914 that Jesus was coming again. He was known then to be teaching false teaching, and this only added to the error of his teaching, and the error of the Watchtower Society, when Jesus never returned as he had predicted. There are also the “Millerites” called this as they were followers of William Miller. Miller thought he had figured out when the Lord was returning; “Study of Daniel and Revelation convinced Miller that Christ was going to return to earth 2,300 years (Daniel 8:14) after Ezra’s return to Jerusalem in 457 B.C.. This gave him the date of 1843 as the year of Christ’s return” (From Christianity Through the Centuries published by Zondervan copyright 1954, 1981 pg. 422).

One thing the man of God and the people of God must avoid, is even attempting to set a time or date for His coming. His coming is imminent. It is not known except to the Father and the Son. Lest someone say, “Well Jesus said He did not know when it would come”; He did not while a man walking among us on earth, because of the veil of His flesh, but now in His glorified body He knows all that the Father knows.

 

BECAUSE OF THE IMMINENCY OF HIS RETURN THERE IS A MOTIVATION TO MAINTAIN PURE, VIBRANT CHRISTIAN LIVING FOR JESUS. “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation” 1 Thes. 5:3-8.

Surely all who profess to know Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives desire to live lives that will glorify Him. If there is no desire and/or effort for holy living in Jesus, then there is a question of one’s even having faith in Him. John the apostle writes, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” 1 John 3:2-3. I am not talking of a works based salvation, but faith that works.

In the ‘Preterist’ view of prophecy where is there any hope? Where do we fit into this scenario? In the Mid-Tribulation rapture view a date can be set counting the days from the time the Antichrist comes to power to the time of the rapture. I do believe there will be a Mid-Tribulation rapture, but it will be only a rapture of two men who have spent the first 3.5 years preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. They will be raised from death before the eyes of the world, then standing in the streets of Jerusalem ascend into heaven (Rev. 11:1-13). With the Mid-Tribulation rapture view and numbering the days, you could practically live as you wanted until the week before, the day before, or whatever you desired, then pray and seem to make things right. The Post-Tribulation rapture view can be counted down by days as well and would make no sense either. What would the purpose of the rapture be after the Tribulation is over? However, it does seem likely that there will be a resurrection of Tribulation saints in order that they might rule and reign with Jesus for the millennial reign on earth (Rev. 20:1-5).

The Pre-Tribulation rapture view is the only one that leaves us with a motivation to live lives that will glorify our Savior. An expectancy looking, longing for that day Jesus Christ suddenly appears in the “clouds”, and calls His Bride to Himself, and takes us to the place He has been preparing for us, and preparing us for.

“What a day that will be; when my Jesus I shall see, and I look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace; and He takes me by the hand and leads me to the Promised Land. What a day, glorious day that will be.”

Every day looking for Jesus is a better day. Every day expecting Jesus is a more fruitful day. Every day waiting for Jesus is a more glorious day, because He is glorified in lives that show forth His glory; lives that are lived holy in Him and wholly for Him.

Men’s Kingdoms As Revealed By God (1)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

MEN’S KINGDOMS OF BIBLE PROPHECY

 

Daniel 8:1-8, 15-22, 26-27

 

The ram with two horns is the Medo-Persian empire (vv. 3-4, 20).

The he-goat with the great horn is Alexander the Great (vv. 5-8, 21).

The broken horn with the four new horns is the death of Alexander and his four generals taking power of four kingdoms after his death at 33 years of age.

 

There are five amazing prophecies:

1. Greece conquers Persia;

2. The great ‘notable horn’ Alexander the Great;

3. The ruin of the Medo-Persian empire;

4. The broken horn the death of Alexander the Great;

5. Alexander’s kingdom is divided.

From one of these come a ruler who surpasses all others in cruelty and hatred for the Jewish people.

This prophecy has a dual meaning and fulfillment 175 B.C. – 165 B.C. and a time that is yet to be.

 

Chapters 1 – 7 were originally written in Aramaic, because of the emphasis on worldly Gentile kingdoms. Chapters 8 – 12 were written in Hebrew, because they are for the people of God – Israel and the Church.

 

A LOOK A THE FIVE PERSONAGES IN THIS PROPHECY —

 

DANIEL, THE BELOVED OF GOD (1-2, 15-19, 26-27; also see 10:11). In this vision Daniel is in Suza (Shushan) the new capital city of the Persian empire. He is by the river of Ulai. It seems God has taken him there. “When I saw that I was in Shushan” seems to be that God transported him there.

Upon seeing the vision he is shocked by it. Thus, he asked God for its meaning. Notice also when he recieves the meaning he does not go out telling everyone about it.

 

CYRUS, KING OF PERSIA (vv. 3-4, 20). Isaiah mentions Cyrus one hundred and some years earlier; by his work in Isaiah 41, “Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.” (v. 2), “I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as the potter treadeth clay.” (v. 25). By his name in Isaiah 44, “ That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” (v. 28).

Cyrus is named again in Isaiah 45:1-4, “Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me”.

Our sovereign Lord can use even a pagan king to accomplish His purposes. He [Cyrus] allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple. He allowed them to take the sacred vessels Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem, “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.” 2 Chron. 36:22-23.

Also in Ezra we read, “ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem” Ezra 1:1-3.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT (vv. 5-8, 21-22). In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream Greece was depicted as the belly and thigh of brass. Daniel’s vision of chapter 7 saw it as a beast ‘leopard’ with ‘four wings of fowl’ and ‘four heads’. Daniel now sees it as an angry goat.

Alexander’s kingdom was divided into four kingdoms – led by four leaders of his army. Alexander was accomplishing God’s purposes. What Alexander began the Romans completed – preparing the ancient world for the coming of Jesus Christ. Of course, this was unknown to these pagan kings.

Truly, God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He rules and reigns in the hearts of men; good and evil. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as rivers of water: He turns it wherever He will” Proverbs 21:1; and that means Saddam Hussein, Tony Blair, or George Bush as well. No world leader, or leader of any nation is outside the purview of God’s rule.

The Kingdoms of Men vs. The Kingdom of God (2)

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Daniel 7:9-28

THE EVERLASTING KINGDOM OF THE SON OF MAN (vv. 9-14). The phrase “Ancient of Days” most likely refers to God the Father. The thrones of men will be “cast down” and God will be exalted above the governments of men. Here is a scene where Daniel describes the Father. “AWESOME.” Would be a great word to use.

We see Daniel in the passage of Scripture watching, in the vision, until the ‘thrones were cast down’. It is most assuredly the thrones of those who exalt themselves against the ‘Stone cut out without hands’, and try to defeat Him. It is their thrones which are cast down. It is the throne of the Father and the Son which will be exalted.

The “rest of the beasts” of verse 12 seem to apply to governments that remain after the Great White Throne Judgment; these would not have participated in an uprising against the appearing of the Son of Man (Jesus). Dominion and glory, and a kingdom will be given unto Him that will be everlasting. It shall never pass away. COME LORD JESUS.

 

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING; YET TROUBLED (vv. 15-28). There are a lot of things Daniel did not understand, and he was troubled by them. He is troubled that sin is going to grow and grow and become worse. Would that sin would so trouble the people of God today. It should grieve us to know that sin is progressing and getting worse and worse. It is one day going to work its way out; unto the destruction of sin. “One of them that stood by” (v. 15) is probably an angel. This one gave Daniel the meanings.

There is assurance here that the kingdoms of men will fail and God’s people will reign (v. 18). The evil one has at times prevailed against the ‘saints’ down through history. During the time that is called the Tribulation many saints will be killed for their faith. These are Tribulation saints – people who have trusted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Most times in these cases they will be showing their love for the Lord with their lives. One day the ‘Ancient of Days’ is going to give power of rule of earth to the saints and will possess the kingdom (v. 22).

Before the ‘Ancient of Days’ comes, though, there will be much trouble (vv.23-25). This final beast will rise up in the last days and speak against the truth of God’s Word. There will be a world wide kingdom which the evil one will rule. He will bring harmony between all the world’s religions. He will bring in a world wide economy. He will bring ‘peace’ in the land of ‘Palestine’. He will make himself god. In the last three and one half years of his rule he will become vicious; you might even say indescribable.

He shall not stand. He shall fall and at the Great White Throne of Judgment will be cast alive into the Lake of Fire which burns forever and forever.

The kingdom will be given to God’s saints. It will be an everlasting kingdom.

In these days of the twenty first century we also see troubling things. Let us simply believe that God and His Son Jesus will accomplish everything He has spoken. He will. We do not know how, or when God will bring these things to pass, but He will.

We can rest assured the Holy God of all creation will not tolerate a blasphemer who exalts himself over the throne of God. That man, beast, devil, or what ever he be will stand before the Judgment of the throne of God.

There is redemption for all, today, who will call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. He paid our sin debt by His shed blood – giving His life – was buried carrying our sin away; and He rose showing us the victory of the cross, and giving the promise, to those who trust Him, of eternal life with Him. There is a Bridegroom coming for His Bride [the Church]; and there is a Judge coming to separate the sheep from the goats. Be part of the Bride by trusting Jesus.

Reason # 5

/ Tim A. / 5 Comments

REASON # 5 – The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath

“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Rom. 5:9. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thes. 5:9.

 

One thing I do not understand is why some who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior want to deny the evidence of the Rapture of the Church. It is a part of our deliverance from the “…Wrath to come”. It is the destiny of the Church of Jesus Christ to experience His calling, His glory and be eternally wed to Him, as His Bride.

When we look at the Old Testament concerning the Nation of Israel we see that they have been “promised” a time of cleansing (Jeremiah 30:7), called by Jeremiah “The time of Jacob’s trouble”. By this we see that it is the time of trial for Israel, not the Church. I guess you can spiritualize the text and cause Israel to be the Church, but that denies the Scriptures.

Yes, Jesus did say, “In the world ye shall have tribulation”, and most every Christian would say, “I have seen plenty tribulation”, and I would be one of those. This tribulation Jesus spoke of is tribulation the world gives every believer. It could even be said that those who are not Christians experience some of these same trials. No one is without tribulation. For the Church, though, it will be tribulation concerning our faith, our witness, etc.. When it comes to the last few years before Jesus comes and sets up His kingdom on earth for the millennium, that will be a period of Great Tribulation, and which the Church will have been called to Christ.

 

AS THE CHURCH WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM WRATH BY JESUS CHRIST. The verse in Romans is most certainly telling us we have been delivered “from wrath through Him”, and speaks specifically of our eternal salvation. “Justified by His blood” is speaking of the declaration by God that we are Just in His sight. These is absolutely no doubt about it. It is by God’s declaration we have been cleansed, and have right to the throne of God because of the gift of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.

In the ninth verse of First Thessalonians we have the words, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath…”. Paul is speaking to the Christians at the church of Thessolonica, and it seems that he is doing more than just reminding them of their salvation in Christ Jesus. Every chapter of First Thessalonians has reference to the coming of Jesus at or near the end of the chapter. Chapter one verse 10, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” Chapter two verse 19 and 20, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.” Chapter three verse 13, “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” Chapter four verses 13 – 18, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” Chapter five verses 1 – 4, at the beginning of the chapter, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”

It would definitely appear that the point Paul was making in this verse nine of First Thessalonians was a wrath that awaits those whose habitation is that of earth, whose heart is tied to the things of this world. John the apostle uses this phrase “Dwell upon the earth” three times, and all three times have to do with those who do not know Jesus – Revelation 3:10, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” Revelation11:10, “ And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” In this verse you will notice that it was these that ‘dwell upon the earth’ rejoicing over the death of the prophets of God. Revelation 13:8, “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” This last bunch that ‘dwell upon the earth’ are worshipping the beast, and their “names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb…”.

Is it not clear enough that the Tribulation is not for the Church, but for they that ‘dwell on the earth’. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.

 

AS THE CHURCH WE ARE EXPECTANTLY WAITING FOR THAT DELIVERANCE BY THE APPEARING OF JESUS IN THE CLOUDS. Let me quote 1 Thessalonians 1:10 once again, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” We are saved from wrath. The wrath that is associated with the judgment of sin, and the wrath that is associated with the world wide tribulation coming soon.

We have basically been called to expectantly await the coming of Jesus. Would it not cause dread, if a terrible Tribulation were associated with that first. Le me remind you that we are not looking for antichrist, tribulation, trouble, or sorrow. We have been given commandment to “Wait for His Son from Heaven…”.

If I believed that we would be going through the Tribulation I would not be expectantly awaiting the coming of Jesus until that period of Tribulation came. I am experiencing tribulation now, and expectantly waiting His coming. The thought of people being without Jesus during that period of judgment – a judgment unknown in any time in history – should cause us, motivate us to be witnesses for Jesus.

No we are not appointed to wrath, but we have been called to “Wait for His Son from Heaven… which hath delivered us from the wrath to come”.

 

AS THE CHURCH KEEPING THE WORD AND PATIENCE, HE KEEPS US FROM THE WRATH – BY ABIDING IN HIM. Let’s look at Revelation 3:10 once again. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth”.

As Christians we are called to keep the Word of God in our hearts. The ‘Word of [His] My patience’ is His Word to persevere. The one’s who love Him will persevere, not by their own strength or merit, but by His grace, grown in their hearts. It is by His Word that we do persevere.

We are not inhabitants of earth. We are inhabited by Christ and we inhabit Him. To put it in probably better words. We dwell in Him, and He dwells in us. He is our abiding place.

How can that being which has been redeemed from wrath be put to wrath that is to come? Think about it. That is to put the Body of Christ to judgment He has already endured. That cannot be. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thes. 5:9.

 

SUMMARY –

I. WE HAVE BEEN DELIVERED FROM WRATH BY THE DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.

II. WE ARE EXPECTANTLY AWAITING THAT FULFILLMENT OF DELIVERANCE BY THE APPEARANCE OF JESUS IN THE CLOUDS.

III. KEEPING THE WORD OF HIS PATIENCE – PERSEVEREING – HE KEEPS US FROM THAT WRATH WHICH IS TO COME TO THOSE WHO ‘DWELL UPON THE EARTH.’.

The Kingdoms of Men vs. The Kingdom of God (1)

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Daniel 7:1-8

THE KINGDOMS OF MEN VERSES THE KINGDOM OF GODDaniel 7:1-28

Daniel writes now of the few years before the events of Daniel chapter 5. The John MacArthur Study Bible note states, “This represented a flashback to 553 B.C., 14 years before the feast of 5:1-3. Chapters 7, 8 occur after chapter 4, but before chapter 5.” (pg. 1238 NKJV).

God knows the directions of kings and kingdoms of men – enough that He could reveal the rise and fall of four Gentile kingdoms ruling the known world. I think at this point it would help any reading at this point to go and read Psalm 2.

 

THE TIME BEFORE THE MEDES AND PERSIANS (v. 1). Chapter 7 takes place before chapter five. It is possible that this is as many as 15 years before Belshazzar fell, and the Medes and Persians conquered the city of Babylon.

The dream Daniel has is not all that far removed from the visions of Nebuchadnezzar.

NOTE… In chapter two we had to look at a hideous monstrosity of the image of a man with a head of gold; breast and arms of silver; belly and thighs of brass; legs of iron; and feet part of iron and part of clay. By man’s standard it would be something beautiful to look upon. In chapter seven we see how God looks upon the kingdoms of men.

 

GOD’S VIEW OF THE KINGDOMS OF MEN (vv. 2-8). God’s vision given to Daniel has similarities of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, but yet different in one’s perception. Nebuchadnezzar saw it as a good thing – something beautiful to look upon. To God and Daniel these were beasts. God seems to always liken governments of men as beasts.

There are four beasts mentioned in thise verses… 1) A lion with eagles wings; 2) A bear with three ribs between its teeth; 3) A leopard with four wings as a fowl and with four heads; 4) A dreadful beast, evidently unlike anything Daniel had ever seen – it devoured and brake in pieces… and had ten horns on its head.

The lion with wings represents Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian empire. Its wings being plucked speaks of Nebuchadnezzar’s losing his mind and the fall of Babylon (You can easily notice that Nebuchadnezzar represents the total kingdom until its fall). Where king Nebuchadnezzar saw a head of gold, God saw a defeated lion.

The Bear with ribs between its teeth represents the Medo-Persian empire over powering Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt – the three ribs.

The four headed leopard represents the rule of Alexander the Great – the leopard is also seen by Daniel having four wings of a fowl. The Persians were defeated by Greece (Alexanders place of rule). The leopard is one of the swiftest of all land creatures and that is how Alexander conquered – without haste. A leopard with wings implies very swift, like never touching the ground. The leopard is also seen as having four heads. When Alexander died the Greecian empire was divided into four kingdoms led by his four leading generals. Alexander had only 35,000 troops when he fought against the Medo-Persian empire. He won a miraculous victory against two or three hundred thousand of the Medo-Persia army. Alexander could conquer the world, but he could not conquer himself. He was an alcoholic and died at the age of thirty two years of age. This is the kingdom of Brass. We see in Alexander the Great that the problem with alcohol is not a new thing. Lives cut short. Families destroyed. Just what are the real benefits of the poison? None, that are of any worth.

The next kingdom is almost beyond description. It is a kingdom of iron and clay. It represents the Roman empire – legs of iron and part clay. This was a divided kingdom – two legs; ten toes – iron and clay. The ten horns mentioned represent the ten toes. Horns are a symbol of power. The toes would represent the provinces (States) of Rome with the horns representing the human ruler. The “little horn” is the “end time” ruler of the world. The ten toes also, probably, represent the Roman empire risen again. This fourth beast is vicious, and it devours every thing that opposes it. God’s view of kingdoms of men – they shall fall. The only part of these beasts that has not yet taken place is the “ten toes” and the “ten heads”. This fourth beast is seen by Daniel as “dreadful”. This was the same empire that would put our Lord to death on the cruel old wooden cross. They had absolutely no power to take His life, because He gave His life willingly for our sins. Their cruelty just showed the depths and lengths of depravity men will stoop to rid the world of God. This is seen again by the apostle John as He witnessed the Revelation of Jesus Christ, and wrote it down. It is written there for the people of the final days to be warned, and prayerfully turn their eyes toward the One who gave His life upon Calvary’s cross for the sins of the world.

Loyalties, Liars, and Lions (3)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

DANIEL IS FOUND PRAYING, ACCUSED, AND CONVICTED (vv. 11-17). The spies went back to work as soon as the decree was signed. Spying on only one man it seems. What treachery and deceit.

Daniel was guilty as charged. Oh that we might be found praying. Guilty, guilty, guilty. Is there enough evidence in your life; in mine; to prove you guilty of being a Christian? If I were to die on my knees in prayer, witnessing to a lost person, or preaching from the pulpit; I could not think of a better place or way to go home to Heaven from.

These men are very persistent in getting the king to fulfill his own decree. The laws of the Medes and Persians are not altered (v. 8). What was the king to do? He tried all day to find a way out for Daniel. The king loved Daniel. Finally, with much pain of heart, disgust, and probably discontent toward himself for decreeing such a law, and toward these others the king declares Daniel guilty and sentences him to the lion’s den.

 

THE KING’S NIGHT OF UNEASY FASTING, SLEEPLESSNESS – AND DANIEL’S NIGHT WITH THE LIONS (vv. 18-23). Darius spent the night tormented by what he had done. He would not eat. He refused to sleep. “No musical instruments” implies he refused to sleep. The music was used to sooth a troubled soul – he refused it.

The king was probably first to the lion’s den the next morning. He cries out to Daniel. There must have been some faith there. He had some hope that Daniel was alive or he would not have called out his name. Notice the king’s testimony, “Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God whom thou servest continually able to deliver thee from the lions?” Living God; as opposed to the dead gods of the Medes and Persians.

Daniel was alive. God had sent “His angel”. Who was this? It is most likely the same one who walked in the fire with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah [Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego]. (Remember I am wanting the readers here to know there God given names). None other than the pre-incarnate Son of God. A Sunday School teacher was teaching a children’s class the story of Daniel. One little girl said she knew why Daniel was delivered from the lions. She said, “Because, the chief lion was ‘the Lion of the Tribe of Judah’”. What a wonderful answer. With Daniel in the lion’s den the lions – by God’s power – reverted back to their pre-fall condition; non meat eating, but rather eating of grass, roots, fruits and such. I can sort of imagine Daniel sitting down and one big male comes walking up to him, not growling, but purring like a kitten, brushing his side up next to Daniel’s leg. Daniel gets cold during the night and a lioness comes and lays next to him to keep him warm, and Daniel using one as a pillow on which to lay his head.

The king spends the night in a comfortable castle, with a comfortable bed – if there was such a thing in that age – but cannot sleep. Daniel rests in peace, and is warmed by the one’s who were supposed to slay him and have him for the last evening’s supper.

There was no mark or hurt found on Daniel. He was taken out of the lion’s den in the same shape as he was cast in. Most likely with a stronger faith in God now, than when he was thrown in the den.

 

JUDGMENT COMES ON THE SCHEMERS AND PLOTTERS; THE JEALOUS ONES (v. 24). The conspirators are judged with the same judgment that they judge – “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” Matthew 7:2 (KJV).

In the book of Esther Haman schemes to have Mordecai hanged. His scheme is revealed to the king and Haman is hanged on his own gallows. Schemers will be found out and judged. Even if they are politicians, kings or presidents.

 

THE KING RECOGNIZES AND YIELDS TO THE POWER OF DANIEL’S GOD (vv. 25-28). Darius, like Nebuchadnezzar, makes a decree declaring Jehovah, the God of Daniel, as the only living God. His kingdom “Shall not be destroyed” as opposed to the kingdoms of men. God’s sovereignty is forever and over all that is.

Notice the final verse of chapter six. Daniel prospered during the reign of the Medes and Persians. WHY? Because of His faithfulness to God

 

FOUR QUALITIES OF DANIEL, THAT CHRISTIAN’S NEED IN EVERY AGE:

  1. He had a consistent attitude;

  2. He was consistent in his performance;

  3. He had a consistent purity;

  4. He was consistent in prayer.

Let us pray to be consistent in these practices, and watch God be glorified.

Reason # 4

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

REASON # 4 – Jesus Said He Would Come Again, And Take Us To A Prepared Place.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3 (KJV).

We have been examining the Scriptures to find reasons why we as Christians can and should believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church. Reason # 1 – Unfulfilled Promises to Israel. Reason # 2 – Historical/Scriptural Evidence of Previous Actual Raptures. Reason # 3 – The Presence of Scoffers Fulfills Scripture. We look now at Reason # 4, and that is, simply put, Jesus said He would come again. It is in the Scriptures above, “I will come again…”. He will come again.

 

NOTE, TO WHOM JESUS IS SPEAKING. In the final verses of chapter 13 Jesus is speaking to Peter, and the other disciples concerning Peter. The scene has not changed in the first three verses of chapter 14.

Jesus is clearly speaking to His disciples who are with Him. Since He is speaking only to His disciples this would surely mean that this promise is speaking of a day when He calls only His own to Himself, and all will know who are His.

 

THE DISCIPLES MUST BE VERY CLEARLY TROUBLED BY THE FORETOLD EVENTS WHICH ARE ABOUT TO HAPPEN. The words, “Let not your heart be troubled” most assuredly are spoken to His disciples. These words are still a comfort to the disciples of Jesus even to this day and ages to come. There is many a troubled heart among Christians today. There is no need for a worried heart or mind. Jesus has a place prepared for you.

Jesus assures the disciples that their belief in the Father is right, but to also be sure they believe in Him. God being the Father gives the disciples/followers of Jesus right to His house. Jesus as the Son is the way to the Fathers house. He went home to the Father to “prepare a place” for us.

Jesus does receive us to Himself when this body dies, but there is coming a day when He will come to join together the body and spirit of every soul that has died in Him, and take them and us to that place prepared by Him.

 

JESUS’S COMING, HAVING PREPARED A PLACE, WOULD ONLY BE AN ASSURANCE TO HIS DISCIPLES. It would only be a comfort to them if it was assurance of being kept from certain judgment.

We must notice that it is a “Prepared place”, not one quickly designed, or thrown together. The “Prepared place”, in the presence of Jesus, is a protected place. Jesus promised He would come again, and take us to that ‘Prepared place’

Disciples of Jesus are not looking for the antichrist or judgment. We are looking for the Upper Christ. The One and Only.

 

IN THESE WORDS OF COMFORT JESUS SAYS NOTHING TO THEM ABOUT BEING PUT THROUGH THE FIRE. It may be just conjecture on my part, but it would seem, that, if Jesus is going to assure them of His coming for them then, He would also warn them of the great trial which will come, if we are to go through the period known as the Tribulation. He does not – rather He comforts them with, “I will come again and receive you unto Myself…” He assures them and us that, “Where I am there ye may be also…”

Jesus is going to come in judgment (Rev. 19:11-20:15), but then, He will be with His saints [NOTE – 1 Thes. 4:14 and Rev. 19:14]. When did they get there? There is absolutely no question in my mind they have been with Jesus for seven years at the time of His coming in Glory. They “are the armies which were in heaven” and “Clothed in fine linen, white and clean”. (Rev. 19:14).

Remember the Rapture is when we will SEE JESUS, not trouble, trial, or test, or antichrist. Keep looking for Jesus; not Antichrist; not tribulation; look for and to Jesus. He has a place prepared for you.

Jesus said to the church of Philadelphia, “Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth”. Rev. 3:10 (KJV). JESUS SAID IT.

Loyalties, Liars, and Lions (2)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

THE PRESIDENTS AND PRINCES CONSPIRED TO FIND FAULT WITH DANIEL; FOUND NONE; SO SET ABOUT TO ESTABLISH NEW LAWS TO TRAP HIM (vv. 4-9). Daniel could not have won in any event in this deception. If he would have not prayed these men would have accused him of turning from his God. If he prayed he would be put in the lion’s den.

These leaders were jealous of Daniel. He was a captive Jew and their leader. He had God’s blessing on his life. The people of the flesh will always work against the people serving God in the Spirit. Look at Cain and Abel; Esau and Jacob; Ishmael and Isaac. The flesh always strives against the Spirit – “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Gal. 5:17 (KJV).

According to the Proverbs 26:28 passage above “…a flattering mouth worketh ruin”, and this is most certainly what these men tried to do to Daniel. They were flattering the king. Flattery can sometimes cause the one who is on the receiving end of flattery to yield to all kinds of things. People love to be praised, and told they are wonderful; but LOOK OUT! What does the flatterer have in mind?

The law these men wanted the king to decree was a decree of emperor worship, and the king fell for it. He did it without thinking of Daniel or any others who might be Jehovah [YHWH] worshippers. Once this law was signed by Darius it was law. His signature was the seal of his ring in wax. There would be no annulling it. It had to be carried out. It was soon put to the test.

 

DANIEL DOES NOT CHANGE HIS PRAYING – EVEN KNOWING THIS LAW IS DECREED BY THE KING (v. 10). After the decree is signed by the king, Daniel goes to his regular place of prayer and he prays just as always. He prays at sunrise, noon, and again at the end of the day. This purely was not an act of defiance, but an act that had already been his practice. Daniel was not going to change his practice. Now, if Daniel had not been praying, and this law was decreed, then, he starts praying to God it would be an act of defiance, then, these others may have had a genuine charge against him.

It is my belief that if the Christians of the United States would have been praying before 1963 we would not have lost our right to pray, and study Christian materials in the public schools. Suddenly when it was lost we become defiant. That is not the answer. We must get to praying, and pray that God will place people in positions of ‘lawmaking’ who will uphold the laws of God for our country, and get us back to freedom to pray in any place, at any time; and in the name of Jesus.

If you are praying now no one can ever stop you from praying. They may pass laws, but there is no law against the righteous, that can stop them from righteousness.

Loyalties, Liars, and Lions (1)

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

Daniel 6:1-3

A new king begins to reign. A new man often has new ideas. How is it that Darius is now the king of this land? There is only one answer to that question. It is the Almighty God of all that is or will ever be that sets up kings and brings them down. It has been seen, and testimony given by Nebuchadnezzar himself.

Daniel is now under the rule of Darius. As we get a little further in this chapter we will see that this king loved and greatly respected Daniel. We will also learn from this chapter that a man of integrity, and good character does not change his godly actions to please a decree by a king or a despot. The godly individual will pray, even when the laws of the land say, “NO MORE PRAYER”. This is not talking about an act of rebellion where someone; after an edict is given decides, “They can’t do that”, then decides to pray. This is the act of diligence. It is the act of obedience to God that was there before the law or edict was given.

In this chapter we must learn to pray. Prayer now will accomplish great things in our lives when we are faced with commands, laws, and edicts of men which tell us, “You can’t pray that way”. Let’s be faithful now, and continue in diligence, when we cannot. Sometimes things are made legal which are ungodly and unholy; such as abortion, homosexuality, and same gender marriages. Other times things are made illegal which are good, godly, and pure; such as outlawing prayer in schools, and in some places forbidding the preaching of the gospel on the street corner, and/or praying in “Jesus’s name”.

 

DANIEL IS NOW UNDER THE RULE OF DARIUS (v. 1). What Belshazzar had promised now Daniel actually receives. Belshazzar is dead. Daniel is alive and ruling within a kingdom. Neither Belshazzar, nor Darius elevated Daniel to this position; only God can do such things.

In a place of any form of rule is by divine appointment. It may be hard for many people to accept, but even Hitler was appointed by God for his time. That does not tickle my fancy either, but it is still true. He was placed as a ruler by God and he was removed by God. If you are a father, it was God who placed you in that position – use it well. If you are the pastor of a church God placed you there, and he can remove you. If you are the Mayor of a small town or a large city you were placed in that position of authority by God Himself. He can also remove you. From the lowest levels of leadership to the upper echelons of government God has positioned leaders for His pleasure and glory, and He can ‘unposition’ you.

 

DANIEL IS PLACED IN A POSITION OF RULE – OVER 120 ‘PRINCES’, AND CHIEF OF THREE WHO WERE ‘PRESIDENTS’ (vv. 2-3). These “Presidents” could also be called ‘Administrators’ or ‘Commissioners’. The ‘Princes’ were in charge of provinces around Babylon; gathering taxes, maybe solving problems was also involved. They were in charge of seeing that the king received his due. The ‘Presidents’ were to be sure that the princes were honest in their dealings. It seems that Daniel was the one who kept the two other presidents and their princes honest.

At any rate we clearly see that these others hated Daniel and the consistency of his lifestyle. The two ‘Presidents’ probably influenced the ‘princes’ to conspire against Daniel. They watched his every move. They could find no fault in his life. He never cheated the king, or did anything against the king to cause his demise or fall of the kingdom. The only way they could find fault was to make a law against his faith. With flattery, deception, and cunning they convince the king to have emperor worship for a month. Here is what the king should have heard, “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” Prov. 26:28 (KJV).

These other rulers know Daniel prays three times per day. They know these things because they have spied on him, trying to seek his weakness, to cause his downfall. The king is told this is an agreed upon law by all the other rulers – deception – Daniel does not know, nor would he have agreed with it. Deception, deception, deception; clear and simple. Darius signs the decree. The law says that no one is to worship any god accept the king for a period of one month (30 days).

Daniel is truly an example for all Christians to follow. He never protested. He never had a sit in, a march – he continued doing what he was now forbidden to do by the kings decree. He continued praying. HE HAD A CONSISTENT ATTITUDE. He also had a CONSISTENT PRACTICE OF PRAYER. That is also our need.

The Handwriting on the Wall (3)

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

 I am posting early due to the fact I will be away from the computer for awhile.  My next post on Daniel, the Lord willing, will be Friday November 03, 2006.

Daniel 5:25-31

THE MESSAGE OF THE HANDWRITING AND ITS INTERPRETATION (vv. 25-28). The message of the handwriting was in Aramaic which the people could read, but did not understand. “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin”. ‘Mene’, being mentioned twice means you better pay attention – Daniel said, “This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.” The double “Mene” means the judgment is stacked up on you and is doubled. “Tekel”, was ‘You have come up short’. No one even had taken heed to the message from years before when Nebuchadnezzar had the dream of the statue with the golden head. They were pompous, proud, sanctimonious and secure, and God said, “You are done”. “Upharsin” or “Peres”, the kingdom is given to others – in particular to the Medes and Persians. Daniel knew this partially due to the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, which he told him and interpreted.

The city of Babylon is about to fall and it is as though Belshazzar does not hear, and awards Daniel all these things of wealth. How foolish the heart of a king, or any leader who takes the Word of God so carelessly, haphazardly, and does not fall on his face before Holy God. The very act of awarding these to Daniel was an act of arrogance, and a lack of repentance.

It is not kings who set up kingdoms, or rule. It is the Almighty God. That is visually apparent, and easily seen when one has a heart for God, His Word, and His rule. Daniel would receive awards, but not from the hand of a fallen evil king.

 

PROMISES ARE CARRIED OUT JUST AS THEY WERE SPOKEN (vv. 29-31). That same night that Belshazzar awarded the one who interpreted the writing, Belshazzar was also given what God had promised. He was killed. God’s judgment is sure, and sometimes without delay.

Darius the Mede took the kingdom, to rule, and he was a man of 62 years of age. God would use Darius to give to Daniel what Belshazzar had given, and even more. Darius loved Daniel, which becomes apparent in the next chapter.

Where do you fit into God’s plan? Are you living for yourself, gaining all you can in this life? Do you believe your life to be all one big party? Are you flaunting yourself against the truths of God Almighty? Do you believe yourself to have your life fully in hand? Let me urge you to rethink those thoughts. You do not. Just as the kingdom can be taken from a king in one night, so can your life be taken in one night, then; what is your destiny?

When you see THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL it just may be too late.

The Handwriting on the Wall (2)

/ Tim A. / 4 Comments

 Daniel 5:13-24

THE PROPHET OF GOD IS CALLED WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS AND HE GIVES GOD’S MESSAGE (vv. 13-24). Unknown to Belshazzar was the fact that outside the city walls the Median empire was planning an assault this very night. It seems only logical to assume that the guards were not posted around the critical areas of Babylon. It could also be that the people had become so comfortable, and secure that they never posted guards, or maybe the guards were sleeping.

The Euphrates River flowed through the center of the city. To the Medes this was a weak point. The Medianites channeled the river away from the city, lowering the level of the wathe, where they could enter under the wall at that point. They had troops at both sides of the city waiting to enter, and do war against Babylon.

When all else fails call for the preacher. He followed his grandfather’s actions of his earlier years. Belshazzar’s actions do seem to be more reasonable – because he does seem to be completely ignorant of who Daniel is; though I would think it is willful ignorance, where he has merely chosen to remain ignorant of one of there countries, and cities most notable people. Let is be said, and noted that ignorance is no excuse, nor is “Ignorance bliss”.

Daniel is uninterested in the wealth that Belshazzar offers him. What good is it when everything around you is about to come tumbling down. Daniel was more interested in carrying out God’s mission for himself. Now, that is not meant as a selfish enterprise on Daniel’s part, but is meant of showing where Daniel’s heart lay with God – The Holy One.

Daniel tells Belshazzar of Nebuchadnezzar’s experiences. His pride was his downfall and he became as a brute beast, even to the point of living and eating like them, and with them. Belshazzar was to learn, that, unlike Nebuchadnezzar he would not be returning to the kingdom, nor would there even be a Babylonian kingdom. Belshazzar knew all the history of Nebuchadnezzar’s experiences with God, but he refused to change his way.

God’s message to and against Belshazzar was that, he had exalted himself against God. Now he would be no more. Herein, lies the tragedy of so many in all ages even in and, maybe especially in this, the Twenty first century. The pride of the human heart is so exalted in the exploits we do. Technology is fastly becoming the arrogance of mind. Money is becoming the arrogance of power, and politics. The thought of many is the earthly golden rule, “He who has the gold makes the rules”. Do not live in your arrogance and one day find yourself on the wrong side of God and His justice. He has given us one way to Himself, and that is through His Son Jesus Christ, and His death, burial and resurrection. If you think you can get to God your way your arrogance is still in the way.

Reason # 3

/ Tim A. / 2 Comments

The Scoffers Who Disclaim The Promise of His Return2 Peter 3:1 – 7

Do you wonder if the scoffers scoff about the scoffers? Just what is the meaning of the word ‘Scoffer’ or ‘scoffing’? The word actually can mean in the sense of being a false teacher, or a mocker, making a mock at sin. Certainly people who are loving and enjoying their sinful lifestyles are not going to want to expect the return of the Lord, whom they do not want to see them in their sins; if they believe in Him at all.

 

THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT THIS DAY WILL COME (v. 3).

The reason they are scoffing [mocking] is because of their own lustful, sinful passions, and greed. These are the one’s who will laugh and mock at those who will profess Jesus Christ and live for Him, and witness for Him. “Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” Prov. 14:9. They do not want to face the fact that judgment is coming on the world and they will give an account to their Creator. The question they ask is one of ‘Willful ignorance’, “Where is the promise…”

THE MOCKER’S/SCOFFER’S FORGET THAT JUDGMENT HAS ALREADY BEEN ON THE EARTH, AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF EARTH PERISHED, EXCEPT NOAH AND FAMILY (vv. 5-6).

Of course, if they do not believe Scriptures they will not believe in that judgment, so will remain condemned. Let’s eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die is their philosophy. Since they do not believe in God, His judgment, or salvation, they only see life as a one time thing, so they perish into everlasting judgment.

These verses tell us that “For this they willingly are ignorant…” of this judgment which destroyed the world the first time. Willingly are ignorant means that they really do not care to know the truth – they love their lifestyles, and will not turn from it. The scoffers do not negate the fact that the judgment and their judgment is coming, and it will be much sooner than later.

God’s message for the Scoffer is ‘Repent, believe, trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and the truth of the resurrection’

 

AS SAVED PEOPLE OF JESUS CHRIST OUR MINDS MUST BE STIRRED TO REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE THINGS WHICH THE PROPHETS SPOKE (v. 1-2).

The prophets spoke of the first coming of Jesus and He came. Isaiah spoke of His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled according to Matthew 1:18-23.

Isaiah the prophet spoke of His suffering and death which would cause many to be saved. (Isaiah 53:1-12).

The prophets spoke of His first coming as a literal fact, then their words of a second coming surely are a fact as well.

 

JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE SCOFFERS/MOCKERS DOES NOT NEGATE THE EVIDENCE OF THE FACT THAT JESUS IS COMING AGAIN IN JUDGMENT (v. 7).

Jesus is not coming again to judge His Bride. He is coming again first to claim His Bride, ie. the Church, take her to His place prepared for her, and He will come again that we might be where He is. Then He will return with His Bride, and judge the earth and its people.

It is based on the writings, teachings, and preaching of the prophets. These came by revelation, verbal inspiration, and the filling of the Spirit of God. These came by God to reveal Himself to mankind.

It is promised by God, His Word, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The scoffers do nothing more than give more solidarity to the Scriptures as God’s Word – at least in my estimation.

Jesus is coming again. He is coming for His Bride – the Church – in the air to take us to that great wedding day in the sky when He shall present us to the Father, clean, pure, spotless, undefiled, unashamed, unblameable, and unrebukeable.

EVEN SO COME, LORD JESUS.

The Handwriting on the Wall (1)

/ Tim A. / 1 Comment

Daniel 5:1 – 12

 

Belshazzar was most likely the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, and was the ruler of the city of Babylon, not the Babylonian empire. His father would have been ruler of the empire – he second in command under his father.

At this time, it has been estimated that Daniel was 82 years of age. Since Belshazzar does not know who Daniel it seems to indicate two things 1) Belshazzar’s ignorance or uncaring about the things that have happened in the past, and/or 2) Daniel had had not recent use in the kingdom.

 

THE PARTY THAT ENDED THE LIFE OF A KINGDOM AND A KING (vv. 1-4). There was a whole lot of riotous living going on in the palace on this night. It is said that when kings of this period had a drinking going on they left the women out of it. At this party, however, there were wives, concubines, and various kinds of women; which made this a party of debauchery .

It seemed to get so out of hand the king [Belshazzar] elevated the gods of Babylon over the God of all things. This was when he called for the vessels of God’s temple which had been taken from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar many years before. Nebuchadnezzar had also proclaimed that the people of Babylon was to respect, and revere the God of Israel. “Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.” Daniel 3:29 (KJV).

The thing that had taken place on this vital evening was blasphemy and idolatry which was the ‘last straw’ with God. God’s purpose for Babylon had reached its peak, now they would be brought to their knees, and Belshazzar would die.

Playing with the things of God which are holy will bring judgment. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). There is an terribly lot of playing around with godly things, and making what is holy vile and ugly. An example of that is the attempt to legally marry people of the same gender. Marriage is a holy institution ordained by God. It is a party of the vile, godless, and unholy seeking to make it approved by God and man. It will never be approved by God, but will bring down judgment. Do not mess around with the holy things of God.

 

GOD’S WARNING, A FRIGHTENED KING, AND HIS SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE (vv. 5-12). Even in a kingdom such as Babylon and its chief city the LORD gives warning, but the ‘king’ is completely ignorant of the God of Israel; most likely willfully so. The prophet Amos wrote, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealed His secret unto His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7), but Belshazzar knew no prophet.

A hand appears and is writing on the wall during the party – at least the party that use to be – which, of course, causes great alarm in the heart of the king. It would probably seem that there was an emergency sobering effect upon the thousand or so who were in attendance. All attention went to the wall where the hand with no body was writing; the playing, drinking, the noise all ceased. You could probably hear the proverbial pin drop. It got really quiet.

Belshazzar’s knees “smote one against the other” he was terribly frightened – he surely must have known his time was up. His rule was over. His life was over. He then calls the most spiritually inept people there were in the kingdom – the same ones his grandfather called upon many years ago before he humbled himself to the God of all gods. He receives a recommendation from his mother – she remembers the history of Nebuchadnezzar.

The handwriting on the wall is there for us to see. It is there and should strike fear into the hearts of all who make a mock at sin, and those who love the Lord and His Word. It is written in the pages of the ages, “Be sure your sin will find you out”, and that is God’s handwriting on the wall for all to see. THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL today is the pages of holy writ, the Bible, the Word of God. You can read it, accept it, believe it, and live by it trusting the Lord of the Word and His finished work on Calvary’s cross, or you can reject it and die.

The Testimony of a Humbled King

/ Tim A. / Leave a comment

Daniel 4:1-37

An Outline of chapter four –

I. A STATEMENT OF PRAISE FROM A KING (vv. 1-3).

II. A TROUBLING DREAM OF A NOT YET HUMBLED KING (vv. 4-7).

III. DANIEL AND THE DREAM (vv. 8-27).

IV. UNWILLING TO YIELD TO GOD A KING BECOMES A BEAST AND GOD’S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED (vv. 28-37).

A STATEMENT OF PRAISE FROM A KING (vv. 1-3).

As we look at these three verses it becomes quite clear who is speaking. It is king Nebuchadnezzar. He has already been through the experience he describes, and is using it to glorify the Lord Almighty, or as he refers to Him in verse 37 “The King of heaven”. This seems to be the clearest testimony of a once proud, self-exalting king, who came to realize there is a higher King of kings who is worthy of praise.

In this chapter the king is sharing a personal testimony of his own experiences with God. If God had not changed him he would not be making this praise to Him. Nebuchadnezzar was a king. A king who had met the Lord, you might say in battle, and lost. Yet, it was a great gain for king Nebuchadnezzar.

I am sure the greatest humiliation the king experienced was not in praising the greater King, but during that time when he behaved like a beast of the field. Praise be to the KING OF HEAVEN for His sovereignty in the lives of kings and paupers.

 

THE TROUBLING DREAM OF A NOT YET HUMBLED KING (vv. 4-7).

The king begins sharing his testimony how everything all got started with his heart change. He tells that he had a very troubling dream. One which made little to no sense to him. He just knew it had a special meaning, but what.

He still has not learned who can know and interpret dreams, though. He calls for the ‘magicians, astrologer, Chaldeans, and soothsayers’ just as before, and just as before they failed to give understanding of the dream. It does seem that they do not try to deceive the king by asking for time.

At the time Nebuchadnezzar has the dream he is yet arrogant, proud, and has no confidence in the Lord GOD. Remember he has had Daniel tell him (because God had revealed it to him), not only the meaning of a dream, but also God showed Daniel the dream which the king dreamed. Also, God has delivered Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah through the fire, and from the fiery furnace. Both of these times Nebuchadnezzar has recognized the power of God, but not humbled himself before Him. “How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before Me?” (EX. 10:3),God asked of Pharoah, and though these exact words are not used here, the message is clearly the same. God is pursuing Nebuchadnezzar for His own. God is in pursuit of you.

 

DANIEL AND THE DREAM OF THE KING (vv. 8-27).

Daniel finally appears before the king. Why Daniel was last is beyond comprehension. You would think that Nebuchadnezzar would have called the one with the most notable success with dreams and interpreting as at the first. That does not seem to be what happened though.

The dream was of a tree. A tree of great height, and breadth. It seemed to cover the earth. In Scripture a tree seems to represent a kingdom: for instance – the tree which grew out of a mustard seed (Matthew 13:310-32); Jesus cursed the fig tree because it bore no fruit (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13-14,20), and the fig tree seems to represent Israel (Hosea 2:12; 9:10).

NOTICE THE CONFIDENCE NEBUCHADNEZZAR HAS IN DANIEL (v. 18).

We can be assured that Daniel was a praying man, and was well studied in the way of God. The request of the king was not as difficult as the first one, but Daniel still had to deliver God’s message.

After spending an hour ‘astonished’ and most likely praying he is troubled. Daniel evidently didn’t like the interpretation. He certainly did not like the idea of telling the king, “Let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee.” was the kings decree when he saw Daniel’s troubled face.

Prophets in those days could lose their heads for giving kings unpleasant messages.

THE INTERPRETATION –

First of all the king would become like a beast of the field;

“The order to fell the great tree was prophetic of temporary form of insanity known as lycanthropy in which a man imagines himself to be some form of animal. The word derives from the Greek lukos, OR ‘wolf’, and ‘anthropos’, meaning ‘man’. BELIEVER’S STUDY BIBLE.

Secondly, the tree represented Nebuchadnezzar;

Third, ‘Watcher’ and ‘holy one’ – God notices the proud of heart; is holy and will cut this king down to size;

Fourth, ‘they’ of verse 25 probably refers to the ‘watcher’ and ‘holy one’;

Fifthly, Seven times most likely is 7 years;

Finally, ‘Leave a stump’ – assurance of Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom continuing for awhile after this judgment and it being returned to Nebuchadnezzar.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS JUDGMENT –

1. To encourage Nebuchadnezzar to cease from sin;

2. To humble the king to recognize the God of all creation and nations.

Daniel calls the king to turn to the LORD.

 

UNWILLING TO YIELD TO GOD HE BECOMES A BEAST, AND GOD’S PURPOSES ARE ACCOMPLISHED (vv. 28-37).

How can we think that proud, haughty, arrogant people will turn to being Beasts. Think of Romans 1:18-32. Verse 21 says it clearly, “Because that when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imagination and their foolish hearts were darkened.” You can see the result of what happens when people refuse to yield to God, by reading the verses which follow in that chapter.

It happened to Nebuchadnezzar just as he was warned in the dream – a short twelve months later – a whole year. This speaks volumes of God’s mercy. God gave him a year to repent and change his way.

It happened on a day of his boasting. Watch out in your arrogance and pride.

How long was this judgment to last? “Until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdoms of men and gives it to whoever He wills.” (v. 32). No king or kingdom of men is without the sovereign, ruling hand of God.

Nebuchadnezzar turned his eyes toward Heaven ‘at the end of the days…’ . He praised and honored God as sovereign and having an everlasting kingdom (v. 34). Remember this is the testimony of Nebuchadnezzar.

He was returned to the throne. Ruling as a new king with a new heart. He had seen the True King – the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Did the king change? Read verse 37, “Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” It looks like a new king with a new heart to me. WOW!!! God can and will have His way in the hearts of kings and paupers and the common man. Yes, that includes women too.

Reason’s To Believe in the Pre-Trib Rapture 2

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REASON # 2 – Scriptural/Historical Evidence of Previous RapturesGenesis 5:18-24

#1 Reason – Unfulfilled Promises To the People of Israel.

We are going to look at three individuals who experienced a translation, rapture, a carrying away or snatching away. The first one is a man named Enoch; a man who “Walked with God”. The second man is known as the Prophet of Fire, and that is the prophet Elijah. The third one is the greatest and wisest and sinless man who walked on earth, and that is Jesus, though He was not raptured before death, He was forty days after He arose from death. Then there is the question of the many who “Arose and came out of their graves after His resurrection”. What happened to them?

 

THE PERSON OF ENOCH AND HIS RAPTURE (Gen. 5:18-24; Jude 14, 15; Heb. 11:5-6).

Enoch was the son of Jared, and father of Methuselah. Jared’s name means – ‘Came down’ or ‘descend’ Enoch’s name means – ‘Experience’ Methuselah’s name means – ‘Death which would bring’ or ‘When he is dead it shall be sent’.

Enoch apparently started walking with God, only because of the message of God through the name of his son, at the age of 65. If God gave you a son and told you to name him ‘When he is dead it will be sent’, wouldn’t you start walking with God? He walked with God 300 years.

Can we know what Enoch did for all those 300 years (Jude 14, 15)? He preached the coming of the Lord with ‘Ten thousands of His saints’. He preached repentance. He preached the judgment of God upon unholiness, and in holiness. It looks to me like he preached the rapture – how did those ‘Ten thousands of saints’ get with the Lord, and what does this have to do with the judgment of the flood.

Enoch was raptured [translated] from this world (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5). In the genealogy of Genesis 5 this is the only one which it does not say, “And he died”. It says, “And he was not; for God took Him.

 

THE PERSON OF ELIJAH AND HIS RAPTURE – A NOTABLE EVENT (2 Kings 2:9-12).

Where we find Elijah. Preaching to king Ahab (1 Kings 18:1-20). Challenging the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:21-40). Fleeing from queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19). Feeling sorry for himself, and saying he was the only prophet of God being faithful to God. Being fed by ravens sent from God for his provisions. Hearing God’s ‘still small voice’. Calling Elisha to be his assistant in the last days of his ministry as prophet. (1 Kings 19:19-21).

What Elijah preached. The repentance of God’s people and the king – turn away, refuse Baal, and return to the LORD God. He called for king Ahab to be rid of Baal – it was his wife Jezebel who brought the abominable worship before the people of Israel. Did Elijah die or is he yet living (2 Kings 2:11). He was taken up in a ‘chariot of fire’, pulled by ‘horses of fire’. This ‘fire’ seems to be the glory of the Lord Himself. Elisha was witness of this glory and glorious event. There were others who seemed to have witnessed this event as well, because they wanted to send men to look over the hills of the area to be sure that Elijah had not fallen out of the chariot or something, and maybe be injured or something. SEE 2 Kings 2:15-18. Elijah appears again with Jesus and Moses (Matthew 17:1-8).

Does Enoch and Elijah believe in the rapture of the Church? I would imagine they do.

 

THE PERSON OF JESUS AND THOSE WHO WERE HIS FIRST FRUITS (Matthew 27:52-53; Acts 1:9-11).

Isn’t what happened to Jesus; His ascending into heaven; a rapture?

Jesus arose and came out of the grave – His rapture delayed due to other duties you could say.

The saints in the graves who were raised. Though it does not say specifically what became of them I would not dare assume they went back to their graves, and died again. I am much in favor of calling them His “First fruits” of His resurrection – the first fruits of the first fruits. They, most likely, would have gone up with Jesus.

 

WHAT THESE RAPTURES HAVE TO DO WITH THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH.

Enoch was taken out before the judgment of the world by the flood.

Elijah was taken out before judgment upon Israel fell.

Jesus as the ‘first fruits’ and those who were His ‘first fruits’ were taken out to fulfill Scripture and glorify the Lord.

We will be taken out to see Jesus face to face, glorify Him and so that judgment might come on the earth, putting an end to sin, and it will be such as has never been seen before. The Church has not been appointed to wrath, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.” 1 Thes. 5:9-10. This is a means of comforting one another; “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” 1 Thes 4:18; “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thes. 5:11.

These previous raptures assure us that rapture is feasible, and possible, and sure.

Delivered; Pure and Bold

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Daniel 3

NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S SECOND TESTIMONY TOWARD GOD (vv. 26-30).

Please Note : Just because someone has seen God’s mighty works, and can testify to God’s power does not necessarily mean they know God on a personal basis. At this point in the kings life, he did not know God.

God’s grace is so amazing toward Nebuchadnezzar and toward us all. This is the second mighty deed the king witnesses of the Almighty. The first, remember, was God revealing the dream through Daniel with its interpretation, and this is second; and at the scene of false worship.

When the king commanded them to come out of the fire – they obeyed. They could not obey when it came to worshipping an idol. They could, however, obey their king in other matters. This shows us that there is a time and place for civil disobedience.

When they came out of the fire there was not one single singed hair, nor a piece of clothing touched by the flame. They did not even have the scent of smoke on them or their clothing. When they came from the flames of that fire they were cleaner than ever before.

Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony has all appearances of genuine faith with one exception. You cannot legislate genuine faith. When you have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ you are secure enough in that faith to let the gospel do its work and the people trust God for themselves.

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, alias Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego were promoted even higher in Babylon. I wonder how the snitch felt now?

NOTE: They were cast down into the fire and God lifted them out of it. In times of our fiery trials God is closer than at any other time.

By the fire they were cleansed, they were strengthened in faith, and they were exalted, and God was exalted.

Delivered Through the Fire

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 Daniel 3

THE FIERY FURNACE OF DELIVERANCE (vv. 19-25).

This furnace was made seven times hotter than what it was. This shows that the king was angry at Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were trusted men in his court, but now they had failed him, so he thought.

Nebuchadnezzar chose the most ‘mighty men’ to cast them into the furnace. The Hebrews were bound and cast into the fire. These men’s faith never wavers. As they approach the fire the men who are to cast them in perish from the blazing heat. As the men enter the fire they have a very welcome visitor with them, and O such a Visitor He is. After looking at the two words in the old Webster dictionary (visitor, guest) it seems the word visitor would be best to describe Jesus’s appearance. This is from Websters Dictionary on “e-Sword”,

“VIS’ITOR, n.1. One who comes or goes to see another, as in civility or friendship.

2. A superior or person authorized to visit a corporation or any institution, for the purpose of seeing that the laws and regulations are observed, or that the duties and conditions prescribed by the founder or by law, are duly performed and executed.

The king is the visitor of all lay corporations.”

 

The ropes burned from their hands, they were loose and walking around in the fire. You could say it was the fire which set them free, but only the One in the fire with them preserved them from the very same flames which set them free. Free in the midst of the fire walking around. There is no better freedom than that.

The king and others looking into the flame saw them walking around with no harm coming on them. They also see four, rather than three men in the flame. What sweet fellowship the men must have been having with Jesus. Yes, I said with Jesus. That is who that fourth man was.

Nebuchadnezzar probably would not have recognized the Son of God, but that is who the fourth man in the fire was/is – Jesus Christ the pre-incarnate Son of God.

 

Unfulfilled Promises

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The following is the first of a twelve part series I began preaching on Sunday evening at the Carr Lane Baptist Church.  It is a series on the Rapture of the Church.  It is sadly missing in many churches.  Is it because pastors are afraid of the teaching?  Because they do not believe in it? or maybe they do not believe it to be practical.  Why is it when the Bible is one third prophecy that preachers neglect one third of Scripture.  You will answer to God for it.  Paul shunned not to declare the “whole counsel  of God”, nor should you or I.The series is called, TWELVE REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH This is the first, after I give just a list of those twelve.

The twelve Biblical reasons for believing in the pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church:

1. The Unfulfilled Promises of God To Israel;

2. The Historical/Scriptural Evidence of Previous Raptures and Typical Raptures;

3. Scoffers Who Disclaim The Promise of Christ’s Return;

4. Jesus Said He would Come Again;

5. The Church Has Not Been Appointed to Wrath;

6. The Teaching of The Imminent Return of Jesus is Maintained;

7. Emphasis Strongly Placed Upon Evangelism and Missions;

8. The Lord Has Previously Only Worked in One People Group At a Time;

9. The Rapture Is the Blessed Hope;

10. The Expectation of the Rapture Causes Us to Look For Jesus;

11. The Church Is the Temple of The Holy Spirit – The Restrainer of Evil;

12. There Are No Signs Pointing To The Rapture – Be Ready.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are most likely many other reasons, but these seem to come out more clearly. There may be some others that really come clearly, but I have not yet had them revealed to me.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is probably one of the strongest passages of Scripture for believing in the Pre-Trib Rapture of the Church. For this first message I want us to see reason number one listed above.

 

Our text will be taken from 2 Samuel 7:10-17.

THE UNFULFILLED PROMISES OF GOD TO ISRAEL.

“Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime” v. 10 (KJV).

According to 2 Samuel 7:10, they have been promised no more affliction. They are promised a place to be “Planted”. They have a “Place appointed” them.

Being planted means they have a place to “put down roots”. A place to call their own with God as their King.

 

Secondly, David’s Family will be forever established (vv. 11-14). “And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:” vv. 11-14 (KJV). Nathan was giving this promise to David, from God. He is to have an established kingdom, that will stand forever.

It is established by God, and only God can keep it going. It is not because David deserved such a kingdom, or such great promises, but because of God’s name and His children’s need to give Him glory, and praise.

 

There are some who would say that God is finished with Israel. What does that do for us if God does not carry through with His promises to Israel. In order to say God is finished with the Nation you will begin spiritualizing everything of Scripture, and you end up spiritualizing the gospel itself.

The Third thing we must see, is the Reason Israel Has Been Scattered – God’s Sovereign Plan for Israel Romans 11:7-27 (KJV). Some may be asking, “What does any of this have to do with the Rapture of the Church?” My answer to that is; God must do something with the Church before He can accomplish His purpose in scattering Israel. That something will be taking the Body of Christ out of the way. Thus, the Rapture.

Here are some reasons God had for scattering Israel to the “ends of the earth”. It was to let the “heathen” know that God was judging them “for their iniquity”, to purify them, and make them “Know that am the LORD their God” (v. 28). The strongest theme which runs throughout the book of Ezekiel is that phrase, “That ye [Israel or they] might know that I am the LORD their God. I have counted 63 times this phrase is used in the book. It begins in chapter six and runs through chapter 39. So what is God’s reason for scattering Israel? To cause them and others to know that the LORD is their God. It is certain that God will accomplish His purposes.

 

God will fulfill His promises to Israel, because of His character, and because He is trustworthy we can trust Him with His promises. He will fulfill His Word.

Ezekiel 12:21-28 speaks of a proverb the people had concerning their belief that the prophecies of God would not come. They were a long time off. God says there that His promises will not be ‘prolonged’. They were saying, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth” v. 22 (KJV). Hear what the Word of the Lord is, “For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.” vv. 24-25 (KJV).

Just as the people of Israel could trust and believe that God’s Word would be fulfilled, so it will be for us as well. If God’s promises fail for the house of David, they will not succeed for those who profess Christ as Savior. God has, He is and He will fulfill His Word to the letter. COUNT ON IT.

The Bold and Faithful

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THE KING’S MOCKERY OF GOD AND THE BOLD STAND OF THE FAITHFUL (vv. 13-18).

The decree has gone out, “Bow before this image, or burn”. Everyone has, with the exception of three Hebrew youth. The king hears that his decree has been shunned by three. He becomes angry. Did you ever think that the one who turned them in for their apparent insolence could have been one of those ‘wise men’ who could not reveal the dream, thus became jealous of these Hebrews. Nebuchadnezzar mocks the God of all creation.

Take a look now at the one’s who were bold people of faith. Their minds were made up (v. 16) – they would not bow – no compromise; no need for empty talk – they would not bow.

They knew God could deliver them, but even if not – they still would not bow. They had rather burn for God, and let the light of their burning shine throughout eternity, than bow to an idol. And, God still has the flame that could not harm them burning as an example today. Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name. Amen. Do Christians have that kind of faith today. We know there are some, especially, if we are familiar with The Voice of the Martyrs ministry located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. They share stories each month in their Newsletter/magazine “THE VOICE OF THE MARTYRS” of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are suffering for their faith. Facing persecution from their governments, if they refuse to give up preaching Christ or holding worship services. In the face of that kind of opposition they continue. God bless them. May we have that kind of faith.

The so called, “FAITH MOVEMENT” says God wants to bless you with material things, and if you are not it is due to sin in your life. What happens when things are gone? God will bless you with Good health, if you rid sin (negative thoughts and influences) from your life. What happens when health is gone? Are we only trusting God when we are blessed? That is the height of idolatry, not faith in the One true and living God. May God forgive those who teach such heresy.

When you are called on to stand for your faith will you bow under the butcher’s axe or before the idol of comfort and love for life?

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah had determined before hand, that they would not worship this image. How could they make that pre-determined decision and stick with it. There is one thing for sure, and that is, that they had prayed, and were continuing to pray. I do not think the Scriptures need tell us that; it is just simply evident, by their previous examples.

How can Christians today stand in the face of such trial? Only by maintaining a continuing fellowship with God in prayer, in His Word, and by being faithful in everyday living.

The three Hebrews would not bow – even though it meant being cast “alive” into a hot fiery furnace. There are many professing Christians today who will not give up their comfort to be faithful to Christ by living right or giving up ten percent of their income as a tithe of their income, because they “Can’t afford it”. They can afford to get a new car, new house, or go on vacation to a new place. They just simply do not love God, and in the day of their trial by fire; they will not be faithful, because they have not pre-determined, by faith, to stand.

A Concoction of the Kings Imagination

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Daniel 3:1-12

THE IMAGE WAS A CONCOCTION OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S OWN IMAGINATION – WHICH HE MOST LIKELY CONTRIVED FROM HIS DREAM OF CHAPTER TWO (vv. 1-12).

When I see things like this my first thought is of Psalms 2 where it is said, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” Psalm 2:1-2 (KJV). Nebuchadnezzar has had this dream which Daniel gave him the interpretation as well as telling him what the dream is in the first place. Now he comes to the place of pride and arrogance and seeks to call all worship to himself, as the “head of gold”. He desires his kingdom to continue despite God’s clear prophetic message.

It continues today. Michael Drosnin author of THE BIBLE CODE says the prophecies of the Bible are warnings not predictions (see THE BIBLE CODE pg. 137). “The Bible code is more than a warning. It may be the information we need to prevent the predicted disaster” (Ibid, pg. 149). “The message of the Bible code is that we can save ourselves.” (Ibid pg. 150). Understand Michael Drosnin is not a follower of Jesus Christ, nor does he believe in the verbal inspiration of Scripture. This could have just been the thinking of the king of Babylon. “It is just a warning, I can change my own fate”. What God says will come to pass. Not one word will return to Him void. Hear what God says, “And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD. Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 12:21-28 (KJV). God’s Word prevails over the wisdom of men. It does not matter their stature or power.

Nebuchadnezzar was impressed by the God of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; but he was not a believer.

It would certainly be no surprise to learn that the image the king made was after his own likeness. If man makes an image of worship it is most often like himself, or a image of a lesser being.

There is another image mentioned in Bible prophecy, which, if people of that time do not worship, they too will be threatened with death; (Read Revelation 13:14-18).

 

Pride is a destructive thing. It will lead to the downfall of any man or woman, boy or girl. Especially the pride which exalts itself over God and His Word. That is exactly what king Nebuchadnezzar was doing. He still had a great love for himself, thus, a hatred for the God of the Hebrews, and who was His Sovereign as well.

Pride caused the fall of the devil – See Isaiah 14:12-23. Also see Ezekiel 28:1-19.

Pride causes Nebuchadnezzar’s fall.

Pride causes the fall of Antiochus Epiphanes who first desecrated the Jewish temple.

Pride will cause the last world Gentile ruler’s fall as well.

GOD’S WORD FOR US, “BEWARE THE PRIDE OF YOUR HEART”.

Everyone was summoned to worship this image – but it is quite clear that all did not. There were three who stood firm in their faith, even in the face of death

 

Look at the dimensions of this monstrous image:

  • Sixty cubits high = approximately 90 feet;

  • Six cubits wide = approximately 9 feet;

  • Six is the number of man; seven is the number of completeness; thus, man always comes up short (Rev. 13:18)

When I study this chapter of Daniel, the question comes to my mind, “Where was Daniel?” at this time. We know where Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were. They were about to face the heat of fiery trial. It was time they had to stand alone, ie, without Daniel. However, they were not without God – YHWH.

No matter what kings or despots concoct against God and/or His people God still reigns in the hearts and minds of all men, even the kings. 

Who Can Reveal Thoughts and Dreams, but GOD

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 Daniel 2:46-49

THIS TRIAL MADE IT CLEAR TO ALL OF BABYLON WHO GOD IS (vv. 46-49).

“Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.” Daniel 2:46-49. (KJV).

In Nebuchadnezzar’s thinking only a god could have revealed his dream, and told its interpretation. He did the thing that anyone with his thinking would do – he worshipped Daniel. This, most likely, was not amusing to Daniel, because he knew God was the only one worthy of worship.

Through this dream, and by the revelation of the dream the king is introduced to the God of all creation. Nebuchadnezzar does not put his faith in Him, yet, but he will later.

Through this dream also, Daniel and his friends are brought to the front of God’s rule and sovereignty. When God’s people follow God’s way; not matter their place inlife – God will be glorified.

“2:44 One final feature of the vision records the ultimate reason for the dream. The vulnerable toes of the great image become the target of a stone which comes from nowhere. The stone has been ‘cut out’ without hands, and indication that the stone, unlike the great image, is not of human origin. Striking the toes of the image, the stone renders a crushing blow to the iron and clay composition. The entire image falls, being utterly destroyed in that fall. This stone, which ‘became a great mountain and filled the whole earth’ (v. 35), is identified as the kingdom of God. Following the destruction of the image, the kingdom of God continues forever in full strength. Apparently, the dream had several results: (1) the dream and its interpretation brought Daniel to prominence in Babylone with Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 46-49); (2) the dream further served as an initial warning to Nebuchadnezzar that he, though great, was not invincible, and must prepare for the ultimate dissolution of his kingdom unless he humbled himself to the true God; (3) the dream must have provided immense consolation to Daniel and the Hebrew captives, assuring them that ultimately God’s kingdom would be triumphant, overcoming all of the ruthless reigns of earthly sovereigns; and (4) Nebuchadnezzar was thereby introduced to the true and living God (v. 47)” (From the BELIEVER’S STUDY BIBLE).

Daniel was not self-indulgent either. He brought Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah into the picture too. The king gave Daniel many gifts; made him a ruler; chief of the governors; and all the ‘wise men’ of Babylon. There must have been much jealousy among those ‘wise men’ who had been in the kingdom for years, and had never received such recognition as this.

Oh, that the leaders and rulers of the countries of the world today would understand, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Proverbs 21:1 (KJV)