The little horn, operating under the shadow of Satan, clearly does not want individuals to be saved. But he does favor a deceptive appearance of it. And if he can interfere in the relationship between a saved person and the Lord, he will do it.
Read MoreSuch conditioning became the iron reinforcement for bringing the masses into alignment with the teachings of the church. Those who desired to live in harmony with Biblical teachings, and teach the same to their children, became the enemy…
Read MoreThink of the daily as that which happens each day as a natural consequence of your devotion to the Lord Jesus in light of His devotion to you.
Read MoreDaniel saw them being trampled, referencing the fury with which Rome persecutes the people of God. Whether obeying caesars or popes (pagan or papal leaders), Rome has dealt cruelly with whomever she chooses to condemn.
Read MoreChapter 8 exudes sanctuary imagery to direct our attention toward the essential spiritual themes of purification and reconciliation. Rams and goats were central in the Day of Atonement ritual, given to illustrate God’s forgiveness and willingness to reconcile with His truly repentant ones.
Read MoreMany have said of Alexander, “He could conquer the world, but he could not conquer himself.” Thus it so often happens with the unrepentant who sense no need for repentance. The horn of their strength is broken even as they believe they are standing firm.
Read MoreDaniel’s sincere consideration of the things that God had to show him is a precious example to everyone who claims to love the truth. Real regard for spiritual matters exists among very few today, having been crowded out by pursuits of business or pleasure.
Read MoreEven knowing that hard times are ahead, we are to look in faith to the sure fulfillment of the promises of God. How else are we to keep heart in this present evil world if not looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus and the establishment of the unshakeable, everlasting kingdom?
Read MoreEvery true Christian will encourage others to choose obedience to God whether or not the ultimate reason or outcome is understood. The Lord in His wisdom always leaves room for trust, the foundational element to any lasting relationship.
Read MoreAs the empire was disintegrating into “crumble mode” Roman government positions were made readily available to these nominal Christians. With them came their pagan traditions and carved images. Statues of pagan gods were brought into the church and renamed after Christian saints.
Read MoreIt is a period of terrible darkness in the history of our fallen world. The Lord wants us to understand this period, both its beginning and its end, due to the foreshadowing it provides of end-time perils just before the return of Christ to gather those who are His.
Read MoreThis wording is very important. Even though his intention is to alter the times and law of God, it cannot be done because of the reality that God has set by the power of His authority. Neither His timekeeping nor His law are subject to alterations, as they are a direct outflow of His character of goodness and love.
Read MoreBe aware that Satan’s most effective strategy involves working from the inside, deceiving the people of God to do his bidding. Because of this, most of the Jews failed to recognize their Messiah.
Read MoreThis is why obedience is so vital in the life of a follower of Christ. It is through obedience that we are empowered to grow spiritually, gaining greater understanding and truly learning of Christ the Savior. The breaking accomplished through Christ is the destruction of thoughts, attitudes, habits, actions, and relationships that lead us into sin.
Read MoreThe year that Rome destroyed the last vestige of Greek political dominance was 168BC. And the little horn, which began to manifest at that time, will maintain its presence until the second coming of Christ.
Read MoreWe should be no less concerned than Daniel to rightly gain understanding of the truth and significance of these things for ourselves. We will find that to inquire of the Lord with sincerity of heart brings a ready response from Him through the power and leading of His Holy Spirit.
Read MoreBeloved, are you serious about learning to walk by faith? Are you seeking Jesus in the cloudy, dark circumstances of your life? He is saying something that you need to hear!
Read MoreAfter Babylon’s defeat, its territory and subjects still existed under the Medes and Persians. Later, the Persian kingdom became subjects of Greece; and then Greece came under Rome’s dominance. But what is to follow the fourth kingdom? There is not another state or government coming over which mortal man will preside.
Read MoreThe mention of the fire of God tends to strike fear in the heart of sinful man, but those who love Him possess a reverent fear (not terror) that displaces the basic human fear of fire.
Read MoreAlthough Daniel did not have the benefit of hindsight as we do, his trust and obedience to his God wrought an amazingly accurate description of what was to come upon the world.
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