Happy Birthday!!!

Today is a very special day in the life of our family. We just celebrated Abigail’s (our daughter) first Birthday on July 4^th (we had another small celebration on that same day for the United States as well). She had so much fun with her Nana and Pop along with other family members and friends.

Today we celebrate my youngest brother, Evan’s Birthday. He turns 17 today. It is hard for me to believe that since I used to hold him the way I now hold my daughter in my arms. Time really does fly by. We are just a vapor, here for a very short time which goes by so fast.

As I reflect on these two major events I am reminded of what the Scriptures say.

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

We do not choose our birth-date nor do we choose our death-date but we do choose what happens in between those two dates. Are you building a good name during your birth-date and death-date or are you more interested in wealth and treasures? Choose this day to do as Joshua did.

. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15)

Biblical Prophecy and Daniel IV

As I wrote in the previous article we will gain further insight into Daniel 7 when we look at the New Testament book of Revelation. The book of Daniel lays the blue-print of Biblical prophecy or the skeleton while Revelation adds the meet to the bones. Let’s take a look at a few passages from Revelation to see what further insights we can gain. Revelation 13:1-9 is the first passage that we will consider. Before we begin, as a way of review, let’s compile what we have learned so far.

a. Head of fine gold = Lion = Babylonian Empire

b. Breasts and arms of silver = Bear = Medo-Persian Empire

c. Belly and thighs of bronze = Leopard = Greek Empire

d. Legs of iron = Beast = Roman Empire

2 Feet and 10 toes of iron and clay = 10 horns (kings)

1 horn arises and subdues 3 of the 10

the 1 horn speaks out against God and persecutes the Jews for 3 ½ years

e. Stone = Mountain = Ancient of Days = God’s kingdom

Set up during the time of the 10 kings and the 1 king

Never ending physical kingdom

And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?" There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:1-9)

This revelation begins with a dragon standing by the seashore. We have seen the sea mentioned before (Daniel 7). The 4 beasts came out of the “great sea” or Mediterranean Sea. Now the dragon, who is called Satan in other places in the book of Revelation, calls a beast out of the sea. Do you see the parallels with Daniel 7 yet? Look further at how the beast is described. It has 10 horns. Where have we seen 10 horns before? That is correct; the 4^th beast in Daniel’s dream had 10 horns. The 10 horns also have 10 crowns on the horns which a crown is a representation of royalty so the 10 horns are 10 kings/kingdoms. The beast looks like a leopard, has feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. Where have we seen this mentioned before? You guessed it, Daniel 7. The beast also has 7 heads. What could the heads represent? If you think back to the number of Empires that have dominated Israel you will quickly see that there have been 6 and that there is 1 to come. Let’s count them: Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, Roman and the one to come will rise up out of the former Roman Empire. Interestingly enough one of the heads looked as if it had been slain yet the fatal wound was healed. The world thinks that the Roman Empire was slain and will never be again yet as the EU comes together we see the next empire rising up out of the seemingly dead Roman Empire. He was given a mouth to speak arrogant words and blasphemies. Where have we seen this before? The horn that rose up out of the 10 in chapter 7. He has authority for 42 months, which is 3 ½ years. Where have we seen 3 ½ before? In Daniel 7, time, times, and ½ time. He opens his mouth and blasphemes against God as did the horn/man of Daniel 7.

As you remember, during the time of the 10 kings and the 1 king God establishes His kingdom on earth. Let’s continue on in Revelation 19 to see how this will play out. This is speaking of future events even for us today.

He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, "Come, assemble for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great." And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. (Revelation 19:13-20)

This is when Christ returns to physically put His feet on the earth for the second time in human history. As we see, He is not coming alone. Remember that the horn/man who speaks out against God and persecutes the Jews will do so for 3 ½ years. As we will see in a later article, the 3 ½ years come as the second half of a 7 year period. This is important to understand because when Christ comes He comes with specific people, the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean after the great tribulation that is coming upon the whole earth. They come with Christ out of heaven. Jesus will strike the nations with the sword and He will then rule the nations (all of them over the whole earth).

All of the nations will gather together to fight against the Lord Jesus; from kings to slaves both great and small. The beast that came out of the great sea and the false prophet are there to battle against Christ. They are both seized and thrown into the lake which burns with brimstone. The armies of the nations will loose and the birds will gather together for a feast, to feast on the flesh of the kings of the earth. The question is, which side will you be on? Will you be with Jesus Christ or with the nations? If you are with Christ now then you will be with Him then but if you are not with Him now then you will not be with Him then. The choice is yours so choose the winning team now so you can celebrate the victory then. In the next article we will discover new insights on the Grecian Empire from Daniel chapter 8.

Biblical Prophecy and Daniel III

As we continue to look at Daniel we will learn some new insights from chapter 7 that further explain Daniel’s dream about the 4 beasts that coincide with the 4 parts of the statue from King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Daniel chapter 2. In verses 15-22 of chapter 7 we will gain further insight about the kingdoms and what is to come.

“As for me, Daniel, my spirit was distressed within me, and the visions in my mind kept alarming me. “I approached one of those who were standing by and began asking him the exact meaning of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: ‘These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth. ‘But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come.’ “Then I desired to know the exact meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its claws of bronze, and which devoured, crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet, and the meaning of the ten horns that were on its head and the other horn which came up, and before which three of them fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth uttering great boasts and which was larger in appearance than its associates. “I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them until the Ancient of Days came and judgment was passed in favor of the saints of the Highest One, and the time arrived when the saints took possession of the kingdom. “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. ‘As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. ‘He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. ‘But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. ‘Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’ (Daniel 7:15-27)

In the last article we saw that the four beasts were the four kingdoms that would dominate Israel, one coming after the other. Here in this text we see the interpretation. In verse 17 the 4 beasts are 4 great kingdoms that arise from the earth. Babylon is in power and Daniel 5 reveals that the Medo-Persian Empire overthrows the Babylonians. So we have passed from the golden head (Babylon) of the statue to the sliver arms and chest (Medes and Persians). There are 2 parts of the statue left. In chapter 7, of all the beasts mentioned, Daniel focuses in on the 4^th beast and its actions. Let’s take a look at the details of the 4^th beast.

Verse 19 tells us that the 4^th beast is different from the others because instead of absorbing the other empires, this empire devoured/crushed/trampled down the other empires with its feet. The Roman Empire was unique because it did not respect the cultures that it dominated but instead it imposed its way of life on them and if the conquered peoples did not comply then they were destroyed with a vengeance. Now, out of the 4^th beasts we see another reference to 10. We see 10 horns on its head (coinciding with the 10 horns that we saw in verses 1-15 of chapter 7 and the 10 toes of chapter 2). Then out of those 10 horns comes another horn that uproots 3 of the previous horns. From the description of the final horn we see that it is actually a person, having eyes and a mouth.

Daniel moves to a detailed description of the final horn/person and its action. This horn/person will wage war against the saints. There is much debate on whether the reference to the “saints” is a reference to Christians or not. Keep in mind that during the time Daniel is writing the idea of the church was nonexistent and saints (chosen people set apart from everyone else) is a reference to the Jews (Daniel’s people). This horn/person will be waging war against the Jewish people. For many years scholars laughed at the idea because from 70 A.D. until 1948 the “Jewish” state did not exist so how was the horn/person to wage war against the Jews? But now the Jews have a state and are flocking to the country so eventually there will arise a man from the 4^th kingdom (former Roman Empire) that will wage war against the Jewish state.

In verses 24-26 we see the interpretation of the 10 kingdoms. Do you remember when the stone strikes the statue and where? That is right, in the time of the 10 kings and on the feet/toes. The former Roman Empire will be ruled by 10 different kings at the same time. Out of those 10, one will arise and subdue 3 of the 10 kings. He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Most High (the Jews). The Jews will be given into the hands of this person for 3 ½ years. Where do we get this time frame? In the text it says time (1, singular), times (2 times) and ½ time. 2 + 1 + ½ = 3 ½.It is not clear that this represents actual years here in Daniel but as we read another text that parallels this one, we will see that this is a reference to years.

Once again we see the final kingdom being established, God’s kingdom, that will be an everlasting kingdom, a literal, physical kingdom. The Ancient of Days comes and passes judgment in favor of the saints, giving them the kingdom (meaning that He takes it away from the one horn/man). All other dominions will serve this dominion. The logical thing to do would be to serve God now because you will have to bow down to Him one way or another, by force or by choice. Choose to bow down to Him today.

In the next article we will look further into the prophecy of the last days. Up until this point we have seen 4 major kingdoms: The Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, the Roman, and finally God’s ultimate kingdom. Three of these four have come and gone except for the feet and toes of the Roman Empire. They are still to come (the 10 horns/toes/kings). Out of those 10 will arise the one. Again, this part (feet/toes) is still to come but it is shaping up because the Jews are coming home and the Roman Empire is being revitalized. Will you be prepared?

Why is gay marriage a bad idea?

Just this past weekend some people celebrated their gay lifestyle with their “Pride” parades. It is ironic that people use “pride” for something that God calls an abomination, something disgraceful and disgusting. Many arguments come from the gay/liberal side claiming that homosexuality is ok and that gay marriage is “normal”. Some even say that “Pride” parades are family friendly. Excuse me but homosexuality is a slap in the face of family and a danger to society. Family is the bed-rock of society and homosexuals are attacking the bed-rock and trying to dig up the foundation as well. If they are successful then just as a building cannot survive without a foundation, no society can stand if the foundation (traditional family; husband and wife) is destroyed. Secondly, many say that we should let homosexuals do what they want, even marry if they want because it is none of our business. Do you really believe that? Do we live in a vacuum? Of course not! What one person does always effects others when speaking of sin (do what God says not to do or not doing what God says to do).

Now, homosexuals claim that they just want to marry and stay married like heterosexuals yet their relationships are usually very short lived (even when they do marry). The real reason that homosexuals want gay marriage to be legal is because that would open up the public schools to homosexual curriculum. Children from K-12 would be indoctrinated with the idea of gay lifestyle and marriage and of course there would only be one side of the argument presented (the liberal gay agenda). The solution: followers of Jesus Christ must continue to fight against the indoctrination of children by homosexual activists and secular progressives. The way that we do it is by teaching people the Word of God, which condemns all forms of immorality, including homosexuality. Also, we must take a stand for the Truth of the Word of God and never back down, no matter what the penalty is. God is always on the side of Truth and is against those who practice sin, promote sin, and are apathetic to sin. Do the right thing and do not be deceived by the lies and deception of homosexuals and secular progressives (liberals).

Biblical Prophecy and Daniel II

I would like to continue our look at the Biblical book of Daniel and see what else we can learn about prophecy; how it came true during Daniel’s lifetime and how this prophecy is still coming true today. As you may remember, Daniel is a slave in the Babylon during the reign of king Nebuchadnezzar. The king has a dream that none of his wise men or magicians can interpret and he becomes furious. He begins putting them to death and Daniel is called upon to tell the dream and its interpretation. God reveals both to Daniel and he passes the message on to the king, giving all the credit to God. The dream was of a statue with four main parts (the feet and toes were a continuation of the legs) along with a stone that becomes a mountain that fills the whole earth. The mountain represents the last earthly kingdom, God’s, which is to come in the future. All of the interpretation was given in chapter 2 of Daniel. Of the kingdoms there are 2 mentioned by name, the Babylonian empire and God’s final kingdom. The kingdoms in between are not named, although the parts of the statue give us a description of these kingdoms that we will learn more about today. In Daniel chapter 7, Daniel himself has a dream and this dream along with its interpretation help clarify who these other kingdoms are. Let’s take a look at this dream and see what new insights that we can gain.

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed; then he wrote the dream down and related the following summary of it.  Daniel said, “I was looking in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea.  “And four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another.  “The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to it.  “And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, ‘Arise, devour much meat!’  “After this I kept looking, and behold, another one, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.  “After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.  “While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.  “I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire.  “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, And the books were opened.  “Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire.  “As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed period of time.  “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him.  “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:1-14)

This dream takes place sometime between the years 553-539B.C. while King Belshazzar is in his first year of his reign (still the Babylonian empire). This was well before the Medo-Persian or Greek Empires conquered Israel so what we are learning about was written before they actually happened. In this dream there are 4 characters that rise up out of the sea. They come in order, one right after the other which is very important to understand. Do you remember how many parts the statue had? That is right, 4 main parts and now we can add to the fact that each one comes right after the other. Here are the 4 animals as they appear in order:

1. Lion
2. Bear
3. Leopard
4. Beast

Compare with the 4 parts of the statue:

1. Head of fine gold
2. Breasts and arms of silver
3. Belly and thighs of bronze
4. Legs of iron

The lion coincides with the head of gold. We know from the first dream that the head of gold represents the Babylonian empire. The Babylonian empire was famous for the amount of gold that it used and the fact that it worshiped lions. Lions were everywhere, at the gates of the city of Babylon stood two golden lions. Lions were also carved into the wall that surrounded the city. It is not hard to see the comparison and explanation between the two. This is not a far stretch since Daniel sees the dream during the time of the Babylonian empire when he was a slave in Babylon. Also, the description of what happens to the lion explains exactly what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar when he went insane and lived as an animal for 7 years only to have his mind return and be restored to the throne.

The bear coincides with the breasts and arms of the statue. The statue was divided (two separate arms) and the bear is raised up higher on one side that it is on the other. History tells us that the empire that immediately followed the Babylonians was the Medo-Persian Empire. Bears are much larger than lions but are inferior just as silver is inferior to gold. The Medo-Persian Empire was much larger than the Babylonian empire as you look on the map. The bear has 3 ribs in its mouth which represent the 3 nations that the Medo-Persians gobbled up when they came into power (Babylon, Israel, and Egypt). One side of the bear was raised up which suggests that part of the dual empire would be stronger than the other. The Persians were clearly the dominant of the 2 empires as they ruled together.

The leopard coincides with the belly and thighs of bronze from the statue. History tells us that the empire to overtake the Persians was the Greek empire. The strength of the Greek army was its speed. It seemed to move with the speed of a leopard. Also the armor of the Greek soldiers was made of bronze. The significance of the number four will be seen later as we look at chapter 8 but for now just note the 4 wings and 4 heads. Also, just imagine the speed of a leopard that also has four wings attached?

The fourth beast (which there is no name for it because of its savagery) coincides with the legs of iron that were part of the statue. Daniel spends the most of his time explaining this last beast and describing its characteristics. It is different from all the other beasts (animals) that came before it. It tramples down and crushes. Within the explanation of the fourth beasts we get another description of 10 horns which also parallel what we saw in Daniel 2. Do you remember that the feet and 10 toes are an extension of the legs? The 10 horns seem to be an extension of beast number 4. We will get into this meaning in another article but as for now just keep in mind what we see. Remember that one of the rules of interpreting prophecy is to realize that in the middle of one prophecy about a specific time the author can move to another prophecy in the distant future and then move back to the prophecy that he was previously speaking about. History tells us that immediately after the Greek Empire the Romans came on the scene and ruled. The fourth beast is a description of the Roman Empire many years before it came into power.

Finally, the last kingdom that we see in this passage is the Lord’s kingdom which He establishes after these other kingdoms. This kingdom is physical and it dominates over all the other kingdoms. It does not rule along side them. Do you remember the stone that crushed the statue at the feet in chapter 2? Do you remember how it became a kingdom that never ceased? This kingdom in chapter 7 parallels chapter 2. Also God’s kingdom is established during the time of the 10 horns which coincides with chapter 2 where the stone crushed the entire statue during the time of the 10 kings or kingdoms. All people will serve the Lord in this kingdom. The question is do you serve Him now so that you will be able to serve Him then? As the Bible says,

so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,  and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)

The choice is yours. You can bow the knee to Jesus today by choice or you will have to do it one day by force and then it will be too late because once you acknowledge Him as Lord by force He then will say to you,

‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ (Matthew 7:23)

Trust me, you will not like where you end up so make the right choice today and choose to bow down to Jesus as your Lord (Master) and Savior before it is too late.

Biblical Prophecy and Daniel

I would like to look at the Biblical book of Daniel. Many people have many different ideas about the account of Daniel. As with any prophecy the reader must understand a few very important rules to keep in mind while studying Daniel. This will not be exhaustive but I would like to share a few. First of all, the reader must realize that the writer of the prophecy can either be talking about 3 major groups of people; the Jews, the Gentiles, or the Church (made up of Jews and Gentiles). Sometimes the author can speak of the 3 different groups all in the same chapter so you must pay close attention to the words that are used along with the context to determine which group is being spoken of. In Daniel there are 2 of the major groups mentioned; the Jews and the Gentiles. Another key rule to remember is the time that is spoken of. Sometimes the writer refers to his own time, while at other times he speaks of the immediate future or the distant future. Sometimes he mentions the first coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) or the second coming of the Messiah (when He sets His feet on the earth for the second time and not to be confused with the rapture, when He will return to take the Church but not set foot on the earth). Keeping these rules in mind let’s take a look at the major prophecies mentioned in Daniel.

1. Daniel finds himself a slave in the Babylonian empire in the service of King Nebuchadnezzar and he (Daniel) trusts in the Lord through this difficult time. Many people seem to think that if God allows something negative to happen to them that they have license to turn their back on God and do whatever that they want to do. Daniel was a boy/man of principle and even when his life was turned upside down he remained faithful to God and served Him diligently. During Daniel’s time in Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that neither he nor his wise men of Babylon can interpret. Daniel is called upon to give the answer or loose his life. Daniel runs to the Lord in prayer and once he receives the answer he gives God all of the credit. Let’s look at Daniel’s answer.

"However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed. "As for you, O king, while on your bed your thoughts turned to what would take place in the future; and He who reveals mysteries has made known to you what will take place. "But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. (Daniel 2:28-30)

2. The interpretation of the dream lays out the flow of human history revealing what the future held for Daniel and even for us, modern man in the 21^st Century. Many people pay a great deal of money to try and “discover” what the future holds yet more times than not they are deceived and left feeling used. If you want to know how the future will unfold then you need to go to the One who unfolds the future. There is only One who knows the beginning from the end. In Babylon none of the famous wise men, conjurers, magicians, and diviners could tell the future when it came down to life or death. They were experts at deceiving people and telling them what they wanted to hear but when their (the wise men) lives were on the line they could not predict the future. Daniel is brought in as one of the wise men who must explain the dream and the future. Daniel goes to the Lord, receives the dream (the king would not tell anyone the dream, they had to know the dream and its meaning) and its interpretation, explaining the future of the world (which history has unfolded exactly as Daniel said it would). Here is the dream and then we will see the interpretation. Be aware that God does not use dates or names but He describes the empires that are to come.

"You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. "The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. "You continued looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them. "Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed all at the same time and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. (Daniel 2:31-35)

3. The statue is a representation of all of human history and how things have unfolded, are unfolding, and will unfold until the end of time. Let’s look at the parts of the stature one at a time and see how they compare with the nations that dominated Israel from the time of Daniel up until now and the future domination that will take place. The statue has four major parts and the dream has three major players; the statue, the stone, and the mountain.

a. Head of fine gold

b. Breasts and arms of silver

c. Belly and thighs of bronze

d. Legs of iron

i. Feet – partly iron and partly clay (the feet extend from the legs)

4. The beauty of the Word of God is that It does not leave us to guess what in the world is being spoken of but instead right there in the text we have the interpretation. Let’s take a look once again at the Scriptures and see the interpretation that God gives us.

"This was the dream; now we will tell its interpretation before the king. "You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory; and wherever the sons of men dwell, or the beasts of the field, or the birds of the sky, He has given them into your hand and has caused you to rule over them all. You are the head of gold. "After you there will arise another kingdom inferior to you, then another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over all the earth. "Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. "In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. "As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. "And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery. "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. "Inasmuch as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will take place in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy." (Daniel 2:36-45)

a. Head of fine gold (37-38)

King Nebuchadnezzar is the head of gold, he and his kingdom, the Babylonians

b. Breasts and arms of silver (39)

After the Babylonians will come and inferior kingdom that will rule.

c. Belly and thighs of bronze (39)

After the second empire there will come a third.

d. Legs of iron (40)

After the third empire there will arise a fourth, strong as iron, that crushes and shatters all things (the other kingdoms) into pieces.

e. Feet – partly iron and partly clay (41-42)

this empire comes out of the fourth empire

it is a mixture of iron and clay

it will be a divided kingdom

it will have the toughness of iron but mixed with common clay

5. All of the kingdoms will ultimately be destroyed by the stone and then the stone will set up a kingdom that will never pass away. The time of the final kingdom is very important. Many people who analyze Daniel and history claim that when Jesus Christ came during the time of the Roman Empire that during that time the stone came and crushed all the other empires and has reigned ever since in the hearts of men. That sounds nice but it is not according to the passage. The passage says that this takes place during the time of those kings (the time of the feet and toes). There has not been a time when 10 different kings ruled over the Roman Empire at the same time. This especially was not true when Jesus first came to this earth. Plus the Roman Empire did not cease to exist with the first coming of Christ. The text says that the physical kingdoms (statue) will be crushed and the stone that crushes them will become a real, visible kingdom that will rule the earth and never pass away. This has definitely not happened as of yet.

In conclusion. From the text we see that there are five kingdoms yet only two of them are defined, the Babylonian Empire and God’s Empire. One of them has come and gone and the other is yet to come. What about the other kingdoms, are they further defined in the rest of the book? Are they ever mentioned by name? Yes they are and in future articles I will explain how they all tie together. Just remember the words that Daniel left with the king and also leaves with us today.

so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy. (Daniel 2:45)

Have Common Sense: Be Grateful

I love the subject of “Common Sense” because there seems to be such a lack of it in our world today. I have written about how we are not born with common sense and we must be taught it constantly as well as reminded of it often. As I work with the youth of today I have noticed that the simple things that we take for granted as “common sense” are not being taught to children and teens. The subject that I would like to write on today is “Being grateful”. Since we are born egotistical and we grow up being self-centered it is difficult for us to be grateful. We expect others to do things for us without giving a second thought about being appreciative for what they have done. We expect our parents to provide for all of our needs and most of our wants. We expect teachers to teach us because we “deserve” to be educated. The list could go on and on. Jesus Christ Himself taught on this very subject. The Bible as a whole teaches much about being a grateful person and that is why it is vital that our children, the future of our world, be taught the Word of God so that they will be grateful and appreciative people in the future. I have been teaching for 9 years now and I have noticed that the majority of teens and young adults do not appreciate the investment that I am making in them. They are very ungrateful and it saddens me greatly. I know that much of it is not their fault because they have not been taught the Word of God and they have not learned how to be grateful. Let’s take a look at one of Jesus’ teachings on the subject of gratefulness.

While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; and they raised their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When He saw them, He said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they were going, they were cleansed. Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine– where are they? "Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?" And He said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has made you well." (Luke 17:11-19)

The first thing that we learn from this parable is the fact that Jesus did not have to even encounter these lepers yet He chose to go through Samaria in order to see them. A grateful person realizes the effort that others exert in order to help him/her. The lepers knew that they were outcasts of society and that Jesus, being Jewish, was not even supposed to travel through Samaria. In fact the Jews of the day looked down on the people of Samaria and would travel out of their way in order to avoid going through Samaria.

Secondly, since the men were lepers most people would not have stopped to listen to them yet Jesus stopped and listened. As lepers they were the outcasts of society and most people would avoid them for their own personal health. If you caught the disease then you would become an outcast as well. Jesus not only stopped but He also listened to what they had to say and responded to them. A grateful person would have realized the sacrifice that Jesus had made just by stopping and listening to these men. A grateful person would have been very appreciative of the fact that Jesus took time to listen and help them.

Thirdly, Jesus healed them all knowing that most of them would not be grateful for what He had done. When you serve people you quickly realize that most people are just not grateful for the effort and energy, not to mention the time that you put in to serving them. That is ok, serve them anyway, yet try to teach them how to be grateful as you serve them. Recognize and appreciate the people who are grateful for your service.

Finally, true faith is demonstrated through an attitude of gratefulness. All 10 of the lepers were healed yet only one was told that he had faith. The one who returned to thank Jesus and give glory to God was the one leper who truly had faith. His faith was evident in his actions. That is what true faith is like. It is always seen through actions and the attitude of gratefulness is a sign of true faith.

In conclusion, I would like to ask you a few questions. Are you a person who has true faith shown through your attitude of gratefulness? Are you grateful to your parents? How do you show your gratefulness to them? Do you thank them for all that they do for you? Do you respect them and do what they say? What about your teachers, do you appreciate the fact that they are investing in your future? Do you say nice things to them and about them or are you disrespectful to them and talk bad about them behind their backs? Examine your heart and see what is there. Examine your attitude and actions to see if you have true faith, faith that makes a difference. May God help us all to be grateful people.

The “Prodigal Sons”

I am preparing to go to summer camp with our youth group next week where we will be serving as missionaries at Lake of the Ozarks, MO. I am excited about the chance to share the Love of God through the Word of God with the people of the area. As I prepare to go I have been preparing Bible studies for our group and sermons for the kids with whom we will work. I would like to share a couple of these messages with you. The first one comes from Luke 15 and is commonly known as the “Prodigal Son”. I find this passage even more amazing every time that I read/study it.

Understanding the audience is the key to understanding this passage. There are 2 types of people who hear this message, although they are both in the same category of people. There are the sinners who know it and then there are the sinners who do not know it. Let’s read the first 2 verses and see if we can determine the differences between the 2 groups.

Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1-2)

The sinners who knew that they were sinners were coming to Jesus to be with Him and to listen to what He had to say. Jesus was exposing their sin (which they already knew that they had) and then offering them hope that no one else could offer. That is usually the response of many sinners when they come face to face with Jesus Christ through His Word because there they find the hope that they have been searching for. The second group is very religious yet they do not see their own sin problem. They are quick to point out the sins of others yet are blind to their own sin. Plus they are not excited about the fact that sinners are coming to Christ and having their lives transformed. Both groups are in the category of sinners yet one group realizes it and the other does not. Which group do you find yourself in? Do you realize that you are a sinner? Do you see your need for Christ or are you too busy pointing out the sins of others? Do you listen to Jesus’ Words or are you too busy being critical?

The 2 parables leading up to the “Prodigal Son” are also important in understanding the meaning of the “Prodigal Son”. The first is the parable of the Lost Sheep.

So He told them this parable, saying, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? “When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. “And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:3-7)

It is obvious that the one sheep that is gone is lost. There is no question to it. Once that sheep is found and returned there is great rejoicing and celebration. There is one exception the 99 that were not found because they did not know that they were lost. Jesus is pointing out to the second group of sinners that they are lost yet because they do not know it (hence the phrase “ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance”) they do not repent and there is no rejoicing or celebration. He calls them righteous not because they are right with God but because they are “righteous” in their own eyes because of their “religion”.

“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? “When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10)

Once again, the one coin that is lost is not put into question whether or not it is lost. Once it is found there is great celebration and rejoicing. When one of the sinners who knows that he is a sinner repents then there is great rejoicing in heaven. There is no rejoicing for the other group of sinners who do not know that they are lost because they do not repent. These 2 examples are crucial in understanding the parable of the “Prodigal Son”.

The story of the “Prodigal Son” is actually a story of 2 prodigal sons, only one knows his sins while the other one does not. Let’s take a look at the 2 and see what we can learn. Many times while explaining this parable the emphasis is placed on the lost son who knows it and the father yet the “other” son is often overlooked. The whole point of the story is to get us to realize that the hearers of Jesus message (the main target) were those who identify with the 2^nd son.

And He said, “A man had two sons. “The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. “And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. “Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. “So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. “And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! ‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”‘ “So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. “And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. “And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ “But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ “And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. ‘But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’” (Luke 15:11-32)

The first son mentioned, the “Prodigal Son” is the sinner who realizes his state and repents. Let’s look at the flow of events.

• First he is unappreciative of his father and family. When he asks for his share of the inheritance while his father is still alive he is basically saying, “Father, I wish you were dead”.
• Secondly, he believes that distance from his family will ease his conscious of the sinful lifestyle that he craves. For this reason he leaves his family for a distant place in order to spend his money and time in “loose living” as the Bible says. He has friends and pleasure as long as there is money but eventually the money will run out. When the money runs out the friends and pleasure disappear. Hard times come and the young man has to revert to feeding pigs in order to make a living. This still did not cause him to come to his sense, even though feeding pigs was a terrible disgrace for a Jewish man. He finally hits rock bottom when he gets to the point of wanting to eat the slop that he is feeding the pigs.
• Finally the young man comes to his senses. He remembers his father and all the riches that he has and decides to return to the father for help. Although this time, as he returns to the father, he is humble, much more humble than when he left. In fact he wants to return not as a son but as a servant. When seeing his father he admits and confesses his sins. The father forgives him and restores him to his rightful position. Once this sinner who knows that he is lost repents and returns to the father then the celebration begins. Do you remember the sheep and the lost coin? Those 2 are being echoed here with the son who knew that he was lost, humbled himself, repented and returned to the father. What about you dear friend, have you hit rock bottom and come to your senses? If not then how low do you have to go until it happens?

Now I would like to look at the 2^nd son, the sinner who does not realize that he is lost.

• When he learns of his brother’s repentance he does not rejoice and does not want to celebrate, instead we see only anger and resentment. When a person has not been forgiven by God then he does not have the ability to forgive others and rejoice in their repentance. He sees mercy as unfairness. This son, when confronted by his father replies with the “it is not fair” answer right away.
• Although the 2^nd brother remained with his father physically, his mind and heart were in another place. That is what it is like with religious sinners who do not realize that they are lost. Outwardly they use the mask of religion to try and show devotion while inwardly their friend and companion is sin. In verse 29 the true intentions of the 2^nd brother’s heart are revealed when he says “for me and my friends”. He is not devoted to his father like he tried to portray. In his heart he wanted to party like his brother had done and he reveals himself in his anger. Instead of rejoicing and celebrating with the return of his brother he is critical and angry, more at his father than at his brother. Do you remember how the people who were sinners and did not realize it were treating Jesus because He was receiving sinners and sharing with them?

In conclusion, where do you find yourself? Are you a sinner who knows it? If so then turn to Jesus and let Him give the hope that you yearn for to you? Are you a sinner who does not realize it? How do you respond when you see sinner coming to Christ? Do you like to point out their past and shortcomings or do you rejoice in the fact that God changed their lives? God is always ready for us to repent. It is never too late as long as you are alive so come to your senses and return to Him while you have the chance.

Cohabitation: Modern or Sin?

In our modern world there is a controversial subject that is discussed a lot and many people are affected (infected) with this idea, the idea of cohabitation. Cohabitation is also known as “shaking up” or “living together” before marriage. Many people believe that cohabitation is something unique and new for our modern days but that is not the case. Actually, in the US, 40% of adults say that they have tried cohabitation at least once in their lives. Those who cohabitate say that it is better to “try” and see how things work out before getting married and if it does not work out then you can part ways without problems. Do you really believe that this is true? Has it been proven that there are fewer problems with parting ways in cohabitation when compared to parting ways while being married? Let’s look into the Word of God and see what God has to say about cohabitation and if it brings more or fewer problems. Cohabitation means that two consenting adults live together like a married couple (enjoying the sexual relationship) yet they are not married in the eyes of the State or in the eyes of God. Sex outside of marriage (that happens when one cohabitates) is sin (adultery/fornication) and the Bible speaks very clearly about sexual immorality.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

God’s will for every Christian is to abstain from sexual immorality (sex outside of marriage). A Christian and sexual immorality do not and should not have anything in common. Christians are to be sanctified (set apart by God for God’s purpose, different, one with a pure heart, one with pure actions). Our sanctification is seen through the way we live, especially in the area of sexuality (do you live according to God’s Word or do you live against God’s Word?). The whole world seems to be running toward sexual immorality yet Christians are to be different, running away from immorality. Cohabitation means living in lustful passion because it involves sex outside of marriage. In fact cohabitation causes you to be a slave to lustful passion. Even if you want to stop you still keep doing it. I know many people who have begun practicing sex outside of marriage and then wanted to stop but continued doing the very thing that they tried to stop doing (that is slavery). If you live in lustful passion then you are considered a Gentile or pagan, one who does not know God (you may know of God but you do not know God personally). As you can see, Christianity and cohabitation are on the opposite ends of the spectrum. They are like oil and water.

Another reason why cohabitation is bad is because men who cohabitate do not have respect for the women with whom they cohabitate. Although the word “cohabitation” is not found in the Bible, the idea of cohabitation was well known. They word used in the Bible is concubine. Men who wanted sexual pleasures from a woman whom they did not feel worthy enough for marriage were taken as concubines. When a man wanted sexual pleasure but did not want the responsibility of having a wife, providing for her, and or raise children. Cohabitation happened during Bible times and their are cases of it in the Bible, even by men of God, yet it always had negative consequences. God created the sexual relationship for a man and his wife in the confines of marriage.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

As you can see, the two are joined together in marriage first and then they become one flesh through the sexual relationship.

Another reason for avoiding cohabitation is the fact that God will judge those who live in cohabitation.

Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)

The marriage bed is defiled through fornication and adultery. Fornication and adultery are both sins that deal with sex outside of marriage (cohabitation). If you cohabitate then you do not honor marriage and you defile the marriage bed because sex is reserved for the marriage bed only. If you do not honor marriage and you defile the marriage bed then God will judge you. It does not say here in this text what or when the judgment comes but there is another text that goes along with this idea.

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-9)

God does not want to punish you and He is patient toward you, hoping that you will repent (a change of mind that leads to a change of actions) before He has to pour out His wrath on you. Now if you do not use this time of mercy from God then He has another warning.

But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, (Romans 2:3-5)

If you choose to harden your heart and not repent then you store up for yourself wrath that God will pour out on you all at once and you will not have anyone else to blame except for yourself. You can stop the wrath of God if you will repent. Jesus Christ died in order to pay the price for your sin (even the sin of cohabitation). Accept His free gift, turn away from your sins (especially the sin of cohabitation) and dedicate your life to following Jesus Christ. God bless you as you serve and follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

How to overcome any sin.

1) You must realize that you are a sinner.

It is easily seen that all people everywhere are sinners.(sin means every action that goes against the Word of God) You do not have to teach a child to steal or to lie or even to cheat, actually you have to teach him not to do those things so even from childhood we are infected with sin.

The Holy Bible tells us that people are sinners.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

2) You must realize that you are a slave to sin.

If we all have sinned then we are all slaves to sin.

Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. (The Gospel of John 8:34)

We are obedient to our master.

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death (Romans 6:16)

Have you ever been plagued by a sin that you just cannot get rid of no matter how hard you try. Once, before I repented and became a Christian, I wanted to stop using foul language. I tried everything from putting money in a jar to physical punishment. It seemed the more I wanted to stop the worse my language became. I realize now that I was a slave to sin because even though I wanted to stop I could not do it.

3) You must realize that there is a penalty for your sin.

Nothing in this world is free. Even the things that are given away were paid for by someone.

For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)

Only death can pay the price for your sin. Are you ready and willing to pay the price for your sin? If not then who will pay? There is good news but first we must see more of the bad news.

There is another consequence for your sin.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Do not deceive yourself, as many people do, thinking that they can live like the devil and still make it to heaven after they die. Now are you ready for the good news?

4) You must realize that there is hope for all people.

The Lord Jesus Christ has paid the price for your sin.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

God has paid the price for you, which means for you it is a free gift but for Him it cost Him the life of His Son.

You are not a slave to sin anymore if you believe in Jesus Christ with all of your heart.

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (The Gospel of John 8:31-32)

There is a major condition in order to be free from the power of sin in your life and that is you must remain/dwell/live in the Word of God on a continual basis. Do you have a Bible? How much time do you spend studying your Bible?

5) Follow the example of the Corinthians!!!

They were once slaves to sin.

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

They were changed through Jesus Christ.

6) Would you like to overcome any sin?

a) Believe in Jesus Christ with all of your heart.

b) Get a Bible and study it everyday.

c) Pray to God everyday.

d) Go to a Church where the Word of God is taught.

e) Tell others about the change that has taken place in your life.

I want to challenge you to study the Word of God systematically beginning with the Gospel of John. May the Lord bless you as you continue to seek after His ways.