The Word With Steve - Daniel Class

Daniel 10:13-14 - (NOTE: This class gives a thorough review of vss. 13-14 but focuses primarily on vss. 15-19.) In this lesson, we look more deeply at the interaction between Daniel and this angel who is visiting with him. Daniel is quite physically overcome by this encounter, but his responses and words are not to be misconstrued as worship of this angel. He has a genuine fear instead, and there are points to be made here concerning a right relationship with God and the true nature of the Gospel we are called to adhere to. The angel strengthens Daniel and prepares Daniel for the great revelation he is about to learn.

Daniel 10:12-13 - (NOTE: The lesson the week prior did not get recorded due to technical issues. That prior lesson focused on vss. 12-13 and we learned six ways in which Daniel's prayer life was an example to all of us. It was Enduring, Effective, Elementary, Engaged, Established, and Esteemed.) With that review covered, we now learn in this lesson that we live primarily in a spiritual world, and the things we perceive going on around us often stem from spiritual battles and struggles in unseen places. As our end times dynamics take greater definition, we can expect to see hard times unfold which find their origin in the spiritual battles that have been ongoing since ancient times.

Daniel 10:12-13 - TBD

Daniel 10:12-13 - TBD

Daniel 10:12-13 - TBD

Daniel 10:10-11 - TBD

Daniel 10:7-9 - TBD

Daniel 10:3-5 - TBD

Daniel 10:2-3 - TBD

Daniel 10:1 - TBD

Daniel 9:27 - In this final lesson on Daniel 9:27, consideration is given to this "wing of the temple" and what this phrase seems to be stating. Further, is the "abomination which causes desolation" - which Jesus also spoke of in Matt. 24:15 - one and the same event with the image of the beast that the False Prophet sets up in Rev.13:14-15? Similarities and differences between the two passages are explored.

Daniel 9:27 - The phrase "in the middle of the week" is full of meaning. This lesson focuses on several closely-related events that happen at this midpoint of The Tribulation, including: the breaking of the temple terms of the covenant with Israel, the killing of the Two Witnesses, and the destruction of the false global religious system. It's all part of the antichrist's plan to control the planet's population and demand worship of himself.

Daniel 9:27 - In continued support for the case that this final future false one-world religious system will have its roots in Roman Catholicism, this lesson focuses on unpacking the Letter to the Church at Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29). As Bill Salus has noted, this passage presents strong suggestions that the Catholic church will remain on earth after the Rapture, and that it will endure a violent and sudden destruction by the antichrist as Rev. Ch. 17 spells out.

Daniel 9:27 - The activities and positions of the Catholic Church today conform well with what the Bible appears to suggest the character of the final false global religious system will be. This lesson explores how the modern Catholic Church is seeking to unify all religions, is actively searching for extra-terrestrial life, and is pushing the climate change agenda. At their core, these activities deny the One True God and seek to hold an entire world captive to secularist conformity.

Daniel 9:27 - The angel tells John in Rev. Ch. 17 "a mind with wisdom" is needed to understand the meaning of "the Great Prostitute," a symbolic picture of this future false one-world religion. A careful study of the history of the Roman Empire through its various phases: its western and eastern leg, the rise of the Holy Roman Empire, and finally the Roman Catholic Church itself, conforms well to the descriptions Rev. Ch. 17 provides. Of particular note, the inquisitions of the Roman Catholic Church uniquely fit the explanations which the angel provides to John.

Daniel 9:27 - The intolerant and deceptive global religious system which emerges in the wake of the Rapture is pictured in graphic symbolism in Rev. Ch. 17. The main thrust of this chapter explains the destruction of this religious system at the halfway point of the Tribulation, but this passage also details its ancient occultic roots, its lavish resources, its physical headquarters, and its long history of killing the saints of God. All things considered, the argument that emerges as most viable is this final world religion will be a variant of the Roman Catholic Church.

Daniel 9:27 - (NOTE: A technical issue cut the recording of this class short, but here are the details of that lesson.) A false global religious system will emerge in the wake of the Rapture, and its message will not conform to the truth of God's Word. It will provide a deceptive explanation for the removal of the church, and this message will appeal to many who have already refused the Gospel. This "great deception" will lean heavily on Satan's "miraculous signs and lying wonders." Our world is already being conditioned to embrace a future dynamic where fallen angels will return to earth to blend themselves with the affairs of humanity. Occultic and new age leaders right now are receiving instructions and are preparing to promote an "alternative explanation" for the sudden disappearance of millions of people.

Daniel 9:27 - The personification of Death and Hades in Rev. 6:7-8 and Isaiah 28:14-19 appear to be two different passages which reference the same issues of a future point in time. The conclusion is Death and Hades are also parties to the covenant the antichrist will confirm with Israel. Death and Hades, as functional extensions of a false global religious system, comprise this "overflowing scourge" - a genocidal campaign against all who do not conform to it. This is what Israel wants to be insulated from as she will seek her own temple rituals.

Daniel 9:27 - The second element of Israel's FOCUS as she negotiates the terms of this future covenant with the antichrist will be her INSTITUTION. Simply put, Israel will want to reinstate temple worship and the sacrificial system. The genocidal campaign of Death and Hades will be in full swing, and Israel will want protection and exemption from the horrors of this future time. Isaiah 28:14-19 seems to underscore this very fact, and Bill Salus' remarkable work is noted as this OT passage is explored to support this premise.

Daniel 9:27 - The FOCUS Israel has within the terms of the covenant the antichrist confirms appears to be twofold. First, Israel wants no part of certain traumatic events taking place at that time. This INSULATION Israel will seek is better understood by considering the implications of the 5th Seal Judgment and the post-Rapture - but pre-Tribulation - conditions that will exist in the world.

Daniel 9:27 - Three possible reasons for future Israel to sit at the table with the antichrist and strike a deal might be described as FEAR, FORCE, and FOCUS. In previous lessons, the first two of these motives were explored. Now, the idea of FOCUS is being considered. Two motives for this FOCUS are ruled out: the gain of money and resources, and the need for power and strength. The Bible suggests these specific motives are not in play for Israel at that time.

Daniel 9:27 - With the unlikely motives of FEAR and FORCE set aside, another reason for Israel to reach covenant terms with the antichrist is the motive of FOCUS. Israel is FOCUSED on gaining something, but what could that be? It's important to understand this future time is both post-Rapture and pre-Tribulation. There are implications to that situation as well as clear descriptions of this time in the Bible.

Daniel 9:27 - Being as Israel is God's prophetic timepiece, Israel will be the focus of the world's attention before the start of the Tribulation just as she is now. But why is Israel at the table with the antichrist in the first place? Is it because of FEAR of her enemies? Most people think so. Or could it be Israel's strength and display of FORCE that causes her foes to be concerned about her? Both of these reasons are explored in this lesson.

Daniel 9:27 - This lesson marks the start of a lengthy study of Daniel 9:27, one of the hub verses of Bible prophecy. The "he" in this verse is the antichrist, and this is reinforced in Jesus' own comments about this very passage in Daniel. This verse concerns the start of the seven-year Tribulation and it must be read and interpreted literally. It is clear that Israel will be motivated to strike some sort of deal with the antichrist. But why?

Daniel 9:26 - A third characteristic of the period between Daniel's 69th and 70th Weeks is the escalating "wars and desolations" which will arrive "like a flood" as this timeframe winds down. History shows this to be true, and the prophetic Scriptures affirm that more and greater conflicts are on the horizon for the Jews and their nation.

Daniel 9:26 - Gabriel tells Daniel that the antichrist will be "of the people" that will destroy Jerusalem and the temple. This happened in 70 AD, but a probe of the historical record reveals more facts to consider. The temple was destroyed by Roman troops that were from the surrounding middle eastern nations. Other Scriptures also seem to suggest it will be from these areas that were part of the eastern leg of the Roman Empire that the antichrist will eventually arise.

Daniel 9:26 - The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD has been subject to much misinformation over the course of history. Preterism has infected many in the church with its heresies, and Jesus was clear on separating these past events from the end of human history. Three views of what happened in 70 AD: the "historical," "Scriptural," and "prophetic" help us to divide truth from fiction.

Daniel 9:26 - While Daniel does not specifically mention the church age in this text, it is also found between the end of the 69th week and the start of the 70th week. This lesson is a high altitude overview of the church age, and specific discussion is given to its supernatural beginnings in Acts 2, the importance of the church age in God's divine plan, and the way the church has experienced attacks against the truth since the day it was started.

Daniel 9:26 - Four basic events take place in this undefined time frame between the end of Daniel's 69th week and the start of the 70th week. Three of them are clear from the text: the crucifixion of Christ, the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and a decreed prescription of wars and desolation. One of these events is not so clear: the commencement of the "church age." Jesus Christ emerges as the hub around which these "pre" and "post" events in vss 25 and 26 orbit.

Daniel 9:25 - A deeper analysis is provided of the four decrees which are potential candidates for being the one Gabriel says will kick off "Daniel's 70 Weeks." The one which best qualifies seems to be Artexerxes' 2nd decree, the decree around which the story of Nehemiah is told. Best efforts to trace all the dates and timelines around this event lead to some very provocative conclusions!

Daniel 9:25 - Two main points jump out as we move past vs. 24 into vs. 25. Gabriel says "Daniel's 70 Weeks" are (a.) broken up into chunks of time with gaps in between them, and (b.) there is a clear event - a decree - which starts it all. The decree is to "rebuild Jerusalem," so just when is that specific decree given? Four decrees by 3 Gentile rulers: Cyrus, Darius, and Artexerxes are introduced as possible candidates.

Daniel 9:24 - The two final purposes of "Daniel's 70 Weeks" are studied: (a.) "to seal up vision and prophecy," and (b.) "to annoint the most holy." The most reasonable conclusions about these two purposes emerge from a straightforward reading and interpretation. This approach leads us to focus on the end of The Tribulation and the beginning of the long-awaited Millenial Kingdom.

Daniel 9:24 - Two more purposes of Daniel's 70 Weeks are outlined: "to atone for wickedness," and "to bring in everlasting righteousness." The first clearly looks back to Christ's crucifixion, but Gabriel has specified to Daniel that there is also a unique focus on the Jews that looks forward. The Millennial Kingdom will usher in an era of righteousness, but this does not mean that the expressions of sin are gone.

Daniel 9:24 - The second of the six purposes of Daniel's 70 Weeks is "....to put an end to sin." This prompts the question, "What is sin?" We see obvious and not-so-obvious signs of sin in our world today, but is Gabriel trying to tell Daniel that these expressions of sin will simply end after The Tribulation? This lesson clarifies that the angel's message is directed to the Jewish nation. Sin of all forms will end, but not until The New Heaven and The New Earth.

Daniel 9:24 - The first of the six purposes of Daniel's 70 Weeks is "....to finish transgressions." In effect, God will use The Tribulation to bring final closure to the rebellion the Jews have always had against the divine authority of their Messiah. In Romans, Paul clarifies that the Jews' unbelief is divinely-ordained; it does not violate God's commitment, character, communications, or conditions in any way.

Daniel 9:24 - In the second part of this verse, Gabriel moves from telling Daniel the PLAN for the 70 weeks to describing their PURPOSE. There are six basic intentions for this period of time that God has carved out of human history, and a literal reading and understanding of them makes it clear their primary focus is a future one.

Daniel 9:24 - Today, we are in the "church age," a period of history between Daniel's 69th and 70th weeks. Paul writes there is "neither Jew nor Gentile during this church age, but those comments do not negate God's covenant promises to Abraham. The church today is acting foolish by ignoring the greater counsel of God's Word and choosing instead what it most wants to believe. The need is urgent for the church to see God's plan as HE sees it.

Daniel 9:24 - Daniel's "seventy weeks" are introduced in this pivotal verse. Gabriel tells Daniel that it's "your" people and "your" holy city that this prophetic Scripture is aimed at. Is God through with the Jews? Has He moved beyond Israel to now focus on the church? Hardly. This passage highlights a specific portion of time within human history, and the need is urgent for the church to regard God's plan for the Jews accurately.

Daniel 9:20-23 - Daniel prays earnestly and God answers expediently. In this lesson, we learn that God cares more about our "relationship" than our "rituals." We cannot control the responses or will of God, but there is much to discover in the way Daniel prayed and acted in that process. It's all tied together in the fact that Daniel was "highly esteemed" by God. That's something we'd like to have said about us, but are we really willing to be qualified for this distinction the way Daniel was?

Daniel 9:20-23 - Daniel's second encounter with Gabriel encourages us to dig a bit deeper on the matter of angels. What are the things that we know about them, and how does all that line up with what Scripture really says? This lesson glances more deeply at the angelic order, and a question is raised: How do Cherubim and Seraphim fit into the whole picture?

Daniel 9:20-23 - Gabriel interrupts Daniel's prayer, and he brings Daniel an answer. Daniel notes when this happened, and it's the Jewish "time of prayer." Gabriel - as we will see - will respond to Daniel's passions about "sacrifices," "the temple," and even God's "holy mountain." The past, the present, and the future all come together in this chapter.

Daniel 9:16-19 - Up to this point, Daniel has detailed the many sins of the Jewish nation. Now, as he closes out this magnificent prayer, Daniel reminds God of God's great character, His reputation, His mercy, and His promises. Each of these points underscore that in the midst of trial and exile, Daniel still recognizes the wonderful God he serves.

Daniel 9:12-15 - Daniel's prayer is an fervent and passionate confession concerning the sins of the Jewish nation, and he sees their pattern of sin from ancient history to his time. We can learn much about what it means to truly "confess our sins" from his example. Few of us confess to each other as we ought to (James 5:16), and this impacts our effectiveness in the church and in our walk of faith.

Daniel 9:9-11 - Daniel's prayer shifts from a focus on the Jewish nation and their sins to an emphasis on God and His attributes. In these verses, it is underscored that God is merciful and forgiving, that He requires obedience to righteous standards which He clearly communicates to us. Finally, God is unchanging in those standards and His judgments are always just.

Daniel 9:6-8 - In Daniel's fervent prayer, he notes the Jewish nation as a conquered and widely-scattered people. The situation reveals the justice of God and this point is not missed by Daniel. He assigns 'righteousness' to God and 'shame' to all of the Jewish people. This historical scattering of the Jews by God may prove to play into end-times prophecies in which the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world.

Daniel 9:4-6 - As Daniel begins to pray, he model four key elements of effective prayer which can be summarized as his Start, Style, Source, and Stance. It is clear these elements have been part of his disciplined prayer life since he was young, and they are also affirmed in how Jesus taught His disciples to pray.

Daniel 9:2-3 - It has been Daniel's disciple to study the Scriptures and to see their literal application to his life and to the circumstances of the times he lives in. The result is he is moved to make an appeal to God. The text clarifies six lessons from Daniel's response we should take to heart, and these are his Posture, his Plea, his Prayer, his Petition, his Passing, and lastly, his Penitance.

Daniel 9:1-2 - Chapter 9 of Daniel is one of the pivotal portions of God's Word as far as prophecy is concerned. In the opening verses, we encounter King Darius again, and Daniel displays his own sensitivity to the prophetic Scriptures. In the bigger picture, this is an intriguing era in which God is using a handful of Gentile rulers in his restorative plan for the Jews.

Various - While everyone is "appointed" to die, an exception to this universal fate is our "blessed hope," the Rapture. Often misunderstood and ridiculed, the Rapture is an important truth that faithful believers in all ages of the church have eagerly held to. The Rapture will result in all saints up to that time receiving glorified bodies. How will those glorified bodies compare with the "corruptible" ones we have now?

Various - Everyone dies in one of two conditions: with a saving faith, or without a saving faith. No exceptions. This is demonstrated before and after the cross. At salvation, God "quickens" the spirit of the believer, making all three parts of their being - body, soul, and spirit - active. The spirit of the unbeliever is "dead." The Bible teaches our souls, the "real us," remain fully communicative, sensory, and cognitive after death.

Various - It is a dangerous thing to think our salvation is gained by uttering some prescriptive words. The Bible teaches we must "believe in the Lord Jesus Christ," the full meaning of which demonstrates "salvation by grace through faith." God has placed a vital message about Himself within His creation so that everyone is "without excuse." The souls of the saved are immediately with Jesus at death, while the souls of the unsaved go to Hades, a holding place before Hell.