- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: THERE IS A BOOK OF LIFE (12:1)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: THERE ARE TWO FUTURE RESURRECTIONS (12:2)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: REAL “STARS” ARE THOSE WHO SHINE FOR JESUS (12:3)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: AN EXPLOSION OF INFORMATION WILL CHARACTERIZE THE LAST DAYS (12:4)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: THERE IS A REST AND A REWARD FOR GOD’S CHILDREN (12:13)
- Sep 23, 2018What’s the Bottom Line Sermon 9-23-18
What’s the Bottom Line Sermon 9-23-18WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE Daniel 11 and 12 Top of Form Bottom of Form Daniel 12:8-9. “I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, ‘My Lord, what will the outcome of all this be?’ He replied, ‘Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.’” I want us to think about the bottom-line and then respond Daniel 12:1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people will arise There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people (Israel)–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered.”
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: THERE IS A BOOK OF LIFE (12:1)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: THERE ARE TWO FUTURE RESURRECTIONS (12:2)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: REAL “STARS” ARE THOSE WHO SHINE FOR JESUS (12:3)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: AN EXPLOSION OF INFORMATION WILL CHARACTERIZE THE LAST DAYS (12:4)
- BOTTOM LINE TRUTH: THERE IS A REST AND A REWARD FOR GOD’S CHILDREN (12:13)
- Sep 16, 2018Behind the Curtain Sermon 9-16-18
Behind the Curtain Sermon 9-16-18BEHIND THE CURTAINVietnam War Strategy or Gulf War Strategy? Daniel 10
- Powerful Prayer starts with a burden (vs. 2-3)
- POWERFUL Prayer doesn’t stop until an answer comes (vs. 12)
- Prayer is often resisted by Satan’s soldiers (vs. 13)
- POWERFUL Prayer is our strategic weapon against Satan (vs. 20)
- Sep 2, 2018Over and Beyond Our Wildest Imagination Sermon 9-9-18
Over and Beyond Our Wildest Imagination Sermon 9-9-18OVER AND BEYOND OUR WILDEST IMAGINATIONNo Ordinary God Daniel 9:20-27 Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), but “With God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27). He delights in doing “abundantly beyond all that we could ask or even think” (Ephesians 3:20) Daniel 9:20-21 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill— while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. This is the same Gabriel that comes to Mary 500 years later to announce the birth of Messiah. Daniel 9:22-24 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision: “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. TRUST GOD TO ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS BEYOND ANYTHING YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE. Depend on the Lord to go way above your immediate concerns to addressing the ultimate issues of your life. verse 24 says, He wants “to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, [and] to atone for wickedness.” Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Trust God to answer your prayers beyond anything you could ever imagine. Then 2nd… TRUST GOD TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PLAN WHICH IS ALSO BEYOND ANYTHING YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE. Daniel was thinking about his nation’s immediate future, just three years ahead. What God had in mind was their ultimate future. Look at this amazing prophecy, God’s plan, as the angel Gabriel revealed it to Daniel. Daniel 9:25 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ 69 sevens or a total of 483 years. In other words, when the decree is issued to rebuild Jerusalem, 483 years will pass until Israel’s Messiah comes into the city as Israel’s King. “It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.” Jerusalem was in ruins at the time Daniel receives this prophecy, but God assures him that it will be rebuilt again, which of course it was. King Artaxerxes issued a decree to restore and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem on March 5, 444 B.C. It was a time of trouble, but in 52 days the walls were rebuilt. Then it took another 49 years to restore the rest of the city. That’s the seven sevens (or 49 years) described in verse 25. After that, there are another 62 sevens (or 434 years) until “the Anointed One” the Messiah comes. Over 500 years before it happened, Daniel was told when Israel’s Messiah would come and not just to the year. This prophecy actually tells us the very day Messiah would come! The Jewish year, in Daniel’s day, was 360 days (not our current 365 and 1/3 days). So when you multiply the 49 years + 434 years, for a total of 483 years, by 360, you come up with exactly 173,880 days. The decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem was made on March 5, 444 B.C. When you add 173,880 days to March 5, 444 B.C., you come up to March 30, A.D. 33. Luke was very precise in dating the various events of Jesus’ life, we know the precise day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, presenting Himself as Israel’s King. That day was March 30, A.D. 33! More than 500 years before it happened, Daniel knew the exact day of Messiah’s arrival! This is no mere human book. But that’s not the end of the prophecy. Look at verse 26. Daniel 9:26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. (NIV) Gabriel is talking about some things that will happen “AFTER” the 62 sevens of years, which follows the 7 sevens of years. So “AFTER” 69 sevens of years, or 483 years, or 173,880 days, “AFTER” that time, the Messiah will be cut off, the city of Jerusalem will be destroyed, along with its temple, and war will continue. Well, that’s exactly what happened! A week AFTER Jesus presented Himself as Israel’s King, he was crucified…37 years later. We have a “time-out” here between Daniel’s 69th and 70th seven, during which Jesus died on a cross, Jerusalem was destroyed, and wars have continued. Now, nobody thought that this “time-out” would last nearly 2,000 years so far, but it has. WE ARE LIVING IN THE TIME OUT! I’m convinced that the Referee of Heaven is about to blow His whistle, and the 70th and final 7-year period of God’s game-plan for Israel will resume. The final 7-year period before Jesus comes again to bring in “everlasting righteousness” is about to begin. Just look at the description of that final 7-year period in verse 27, and you’ll see what I mean. Daniel 9:27 “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’” The “ruler who will come” talked about in verse 26. This is not the Christ, but the anti-Christ. He will sign a 7-year peace treaty with Israel. That’s when the final 7-year period begins. Daniel 9:27 [But] in the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. In the middle of those 7 years, he’ll break that treaty, desecrate the temple in Jerusalem, and wreak havoc. This prophecy presupposes speaks of four events, which were unthinkable just a few decades ago. 1st, Israel must become a nation again, and that happened in 1948 when the United Nations officially recognized Israel as a nation in the community of nations. 2nd, Israel must control Jerusalem again, which happened in 1967 during the 6-days war, after over 2,500 years of foreign domination! 3rd, The Roman Empire must come together again.. exactly what we see in Europe now. 4th, Israel must rebuild her temple again. Right now, there is no temple in Jerusalem. The Romans destroyed it in A.D. 70, and it has not yet been rebuilt. The Temple Institute has all the implements needed to operate the temple including the knowledge of the location of the Ark of the Covenant. All 28,000 priests, to be used in the next temple, have been trained and even their priestly garments are either made or being made right now. (Jimmy DeYoung’s News Update, October 23, 2013, www.news.prophecytoday.com) The only piece of the puzzle that yet remains for Daniel 9:27 to be fulfilled is the rebuilding of Israel’s ancient temple, but that is about to happen. The stage is set for Daniel’s 70th seven, the final seven years before Jesus comes again to bring in “everlasting righteousness.” Again, I believe that Christ will take His church out of this world before Daniel’s 70th seven, that could happen any day! Don’t be discouraged! Trust God to accomplish His plan beyond anything you or I could ever imagine. Our God is no ordinary God!!!
- Aug 26, 2018Daniel’s Most Troubling Vision Sermon 8-26-18
Daniel’s Most Troubling Vision Sermon 8-26-18
Daniels Most Troubling Vision
THE TRUTH ABOUT SATAN’S SERVANT
Daniel 8:27
27 I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.
Daniel 8:23-27
23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom,
When the transgressors have reached their fullness,
A king shall arise,
Having fierce [a]features,
Who understands sinister schemes.
24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power;
He shall destroy [b]fearfully,
And shall prosper and thrive;
He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.25 “Through his cunning
He shall cause deceit to prosper under his [c]rule;
And he shall exalt himself in his heart.
He shall destroy many in their prosperity.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes;
But he shall be broken without human [d]means.26 “And the vision of the evenings and mornings
Which was told is true;
Therefore seal up the vision,
For it refers to many days in the future.”27 And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was [e]astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.
Because the time is short and we need to hear the truth.
This man who will be known as the Antichrist will be powerful, deceitful, intelligent, brutal, ruthless and efficient.
- THE APPEARANCE OF SATAN’S SERVANT (vv. 23)
- The Condition Of The World
- The Corruption Of Religion
Since the New Testament was written for and about believers, it makes since to conclude that this falling away will be apparent in churches and denominations which operate under the umbrella of Christianity.
- The Completion Of The Church
- THE ABILITIES OF SATAN’S SERVANT (v. 23b)
- He Will Be A Man Of Popularity – (Rev. 6:2)
The world stage is set for the appearance of such a man! He will be popular!
- He Will Be A Man Of Peace – (Rev. 6:2)
It can be clearly seen that our world is looking for such a leader.
The world is tired of war!
The world will readily embrace a man with a message of peace.
- He Will Be A Man Of Prosperity – (Dan. 11:43; Rev. 13:16-17).
The Antichrist will eventually control the wealth of the world.
He will bring prosperity to those who have lived in poverty.
I am convinced that the Antichrist will bring an end to world hunger.
This is one area of this rule that will bring him lasting success. People like to prosper! Just look at America!
- He Will Be A Man Of Power – (Rev. 13:7-8) These verses tell us that Antichrist will eventually rule the entire world.
III. THE ABOMINATIONS OF SATAN’S SERVANT (vv. 24-25b)
- He Will Attack The People Of God – (Dan. 7:25)
- He Will Attack The Prince Of God – (Dan. 8:25)
- He Will Attack The Place Of God – (Dan. 8:25; Dan. 11:36-37; Dan. 9:27; 2 Thess. 2:4; Matt. 24:15)
- THE AFFLICTIONS OF SATAN’S SERVANT (v. 25c)
- It Will Be Sudden – (Dan 8:25)
Defeat is sure for the Antichrist.
- It Will Be Serious - Notice that Rev. 19:20 says that Antichrist will enter the Lake of Fire alive!
When Daniel looked into these things, he fainted and became ill.
He was a godly man!
What effect do these words have on your heart?
- Aug 12, 2018The Ancient of Days Sermon
The Ancient of Days Sermon
The Ancient of Days
Daniel 7
The study of end times or the end of the world is called eschatology; it comes from the Greek word eschaton and means “end.”
There are two warnings here.
First, don’t become obsessed with Bible prophecy.
Warning number two: Don’t be afraid of Bible prophecy.
God’s definition of prophecy: (Isaiah 46:10)
“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: my purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
- FOUR WORLD KINGDOMS or MODERN GOVERNMENTS (7:1-7, 17)
First, Daniel dreams of four world kingdoms or modern governments.
Daniel 7:1-3. “In the first year of Belshazzar [the king who saw the writing on the wall], Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of the dream. Daniel said: ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the other came up out of the sea.”
The wind, symbolizes the constant turmoil that surrounds military conflicts.
We aren’t going to look at the details of each animal in vs 4-7, but what a nightmare!
Thankfully God explains it.
verse 16, “So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But the saints [that’s us] of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever–yes, for ever and ever.”
I HAVE GOOD NEWS!!! We win!
- Lion/Eagle
- Bear
- Leopard
Now some scholars disagree with what these animals represent. Some say they represent ancient empires and some say modern governments that will lead up to the end times.
Some have identified the lion as Britain, the bear as Russia, and the leopard as Israel or even China.
- Scary Beast: Roman
The fourth beast is identified as having iron teeth (military power) and conquering all the territory of the previous Gentile powers.
There is a second stage to this kingdom and the ten nations are symbolized here as ten horns.
But Daniel notices there is a “little horn” that rises up and takes control of all ten.
- THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ANTICHRIST (8, 11, 21-25)
Daniel 7:8, 11, 21-25. “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully…Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire…As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgement in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will arise, different from the earlier ones; he [now the “it” has become a “he”] will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.’”
That means “one year, add two years, add a half a year, the result: three and a half years.” That’s exactly 42 months,
This is exactly the same person spoken of in Revelation 13, the Antichrist.
Keep that three-and-a-half years (or 42 months) in mind as I read a portion of it from
Revelation 13:5. “The beast [Antichrist] was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months.”
Verse 7 says, “He was given power to make war against the saints to conquer them.”
Jesus is going to come to rapture those of us who are born again.
Arising out of the turmoil following that event, a one-world government will be established.
It will originate from the old Roman Empire area, the European community, which is roughly ten nations.
This time of political turbulence is often called the Seven-Year Tribulation.
I do not know if the Antichrist is actually alive today, but I do know this 1 John 4:3 says, “The spirit of antichrist ...even now already is in the world.”
III. THE RETURN OF JESUS AND HIS KINGDOM (13-14, 26-27)
Daniel 7:13. “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”
That is also reported in verses 26 and 27, the interpretation.
“But the court will sit, and his power [that’s the little horn, the antichrist] will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints [that’s us when we reign with Christ on the earth for 1,000 years], the people of the Most High. His Kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.”
Standing on this side of the New Testament, who do you think the son of man is? It’s Jesus!
Daniel 7 says the Son of Man will return in the clouds and will defeat the Antichrist.
- THE FINAL JUDGEMENT (9-10)
verse 9. “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.”
This description of God sounds exactly like what the Apostle John saw in Revelation 1:14, “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.”
Keep reading in Daniel 7:10 to see what’s happening in this vision: “A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him [probably angels]; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court [or literally “judgement”] was seated, and the books were opened.”
This is a vision of the Final Judgement linked to Revelation 20:11-15. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books…If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire”
- Books of Works
Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken.”
- The Bible
John 12:48 Jesus said, “There is a judge for the one who rejects me–the very words which I have spoken will condemn him at the last day.”
- The Book of Life
“Not everyone who says ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven... Depart from me, I never knew you.” (From Matthew 7:21ff)
I fall to my knees and say, “Okay, I was wrong. I thought religion was enough. Now I confess that Jesus is Lord!”
But by then it’s too late, for the Bible says, “One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
- Aug 5, 2018Daniel in the Den of Lions Sermon 8-5-18
Daniel in the Den of Lions Sermon 8-5-18"Daniel in the Den of Lions Sermon 8-5-18".
- Jul 22, 2018Spitting in the Face of God Sermon
Spitting in the Face of God Sermon
SPITTING IN THE FACE OF GOD
Daniel 5
Daniel 5:1-9. “King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone. Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lamp stand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. 6His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way. The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, ‘Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.’ [His father, Nabonidus was number one, he was only number two, so number three was as good as he could offer]. Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.”
Obviously, the king consumed too much of his wine and his judgement was clouded. He did a stupid thing.
He said, “Remember those golden goblets King Nebuchadnezzar took from the Hebrew Temple? They are over in the museum. Go get ‘em and let’s drink out of ‘em. We’ll show that puny Hebrew God who is in charge around here.”
Belshazzar was really spitting in God’s face.
Everyone there recognized something supernatural was happening. It was God crashing the king’s party to say....THIS PARTY IS OVER!
Without Jesus: You may party hard—but judgement is near!
Daniel 5:10-28. “The queen [this is not one of Belshazzar’s wives. This is who we would call the “Queen Mother.” She is probably one of the daughters of Nebuchadnezzar, perhaps one of the wives of Nabonidus. When she speaks, everyone listens] hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. ‘O king, live forever!’ she said. ‘Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale! There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father–your father the king, I say–appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.’
[So he calls him and tries to bribe him, verse 16]
Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom. Then Daniel answered the king, ‘You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes. But you his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. This is what these words mean: Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.’”
Daniel was not impressed with Belshazzar’s offer. The gifts and calling of God are not for sale at any price.
Daniel was faithful to preach the Word of the Lord, even though it was an unpopular message.
He didn’t preach what the king wanted to hear. He preached what the king needed to hear.
Can you read the writing on the wall?
John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only son.”
Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Don’t mess with God!
- Jul 15, 2018Conversion Sermon 7-15-18
Conversion Sermon 7-15-18"Conversion Sermon 7-15-18"
Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Tree
4 [a]King Nebuchadnezzar,
To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth:
May you prosper greatly!
2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
3 How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation.4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. 5 I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. 6 So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. 7 When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers[b] and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. 8 Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)
9 I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me. 10 These are the visions I saw while lying in bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.11 The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the wild animals found shelter, and the birds lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.
13 “In the visions I saw while lying in bed, I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger,[c] coming down from heaven. 14 He called in a loud voice: ‘Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field.
“‘Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times[d] pass by for him.
17 “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’
18 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
Daniel Interprets the Dream
19 Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.”
Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries! 20 The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, 21 with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing food for all, giving shelter to the wild animals, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds— 22 Your Majesty, you are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.
23 “Your Majesty saw a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live with the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’
24 “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, Your Majesty, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”
The Dream Is Fulfilled
28 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”
31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.”
33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
35 All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?”36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
- Jul 10, 2018Mother’s Day 2018 Sermon
Mother’s Day 2018 Sermon"Mother's Day 2018 Sermon".
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How to Stay Cool When it’s SO HOT!
- THEY WOULDN’T BOW (1-6, 12): THAT’S DEVOTION
Let’s begin reading in verse 1-6:
“King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials (VIP’s) to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the…[VIP’s] assembled for the dedication of the image the King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it.
Then the herald proclaimed, ‘This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language; As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.’”
So the band started to play and everybody fell down to worship this image–all except three young men. Skip down to verse 12. Some of the advisors are tattle tales and they report to the king.
Verse 12, “There are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon–Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego–who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Let’s think about that statue for a moment. Notice three things about it. First, it was an effort to:
- Glorify Self
- Deify Man
- Falsify Worship
- THEY WOULDN’T BEND! (15-17): THAT’S DETERMINATION
“Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made good. [Second chance] But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?’
Good question. Let’s see how these three boys replied to the most powerful man in the world
“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, ‘O, King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter (we don’t need to think about what to say, our minds are made up beforehand). If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
- FAULTY FAITH: “I’ll trust God IF He delivers me”
- REAL FAITH: “Even if I die: I’ll trust God”
Let’s read verses 19 –27:
Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace was so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.
Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, O king.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the [VIP’s] crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.”
III. THEY WOULDN’T BURN! (19-27): THAT’S DELIVERANCE
FOUR LIFE LESSONS LEARNED IN THE FURNACE
1) PERSECUTION: Facing the fire deepens your commitment
2) PERSEVERANCE: Don’t give in to peer pressure
I Peter 2:20 says, “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”
3) PRESENCE: Jesus will be with you in the fire
(Isaiah 43: 2-3), “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Next verse, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you.”
4) PURIFICATION: God uses the fire to purify you
(Malachi 3:3) “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites [priests] and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.”
