Pastor Jim Hammond | June 19, 2022
Recap:
This past weekend, Pastor Jim brought us through the final verses in the book of Daniel. Scholars say this final section in Daniel is one of the most detailed prophecies in the Bible. There is detail after detail about the countries that the antichrist will invade in the tribulation. Take note that it isn’t every country! There will be 144,000 Jews, a remnant, that will stand against him. What does all this mean for us? Let it push us to get ready for the rapture and the return of our Savior!
Dive Deeper:
Take a look around you at today’s society. Read the headlines and see who people are believing, what they are listening to, and who they are following. This world is in preparation for the end times that the Bible describes.
You can almost imagine how one person could gather authority and acclaim worldwide because of his message of peace. This “antichrist” will want power for himself, and he could even be of Christian or Jewish descent for many Jews will think he is the Messiah. He will bring peace, but then halfway through the tribulation, that peace will be broken and he will invade Israel. This will be part of his bid for world domination.
You can almost imagine the wars and rumors of wars that will be happening as the antichrist takes over multiple countries—and yes, you can imagine that there will be a remnant! People will stand up against his rule.
The craziest part about all of these things is that God has already explained every one of them. He has prophesied through Daniel that these things will happen. These prophecies are detailed and based on how perfect all the prophecies were that Jesus fulfilled his first time on earth, these words will be fulfilled exactly as he stated them.
Why is this important? Let these words turn your eyes toward Jesus. Let it push you to look up and prepare for the soon coming return of our Savior, Jesus!
Read About It:
Daniel 11:35-12:13 KJV
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him. And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Discussion Questions:
1. Can you imagine how people will be swayed by the antichrist’s call for peace?
2. How easily do you think people will believe his rhetoric?
3. Where do you think the USA will fit within these prophecies?
4. How can you prepare yourself for the soon-coming rapture?