On Thursday’ evening I attended a talk by one of our neighbours. The talk was about the importance of oil and oil reserves - about exploitation and proper management - about exaggerated claims for reserves - about the future and control - about the danger of war.

I could not help but think of the Book of Daniel and its message. Let me remind you once again of the message. God is in control. God Rules. God is in control.  God is in control so get on with your life, get on with living. This is God’s last word to Daniel, “Get on with it!” Twice over he is instructed, “Go your way.”

Bible Reading Daniel 11:1-12:13

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In Daniel Chapter Ten we are given three great realities before we are presented with the final revelation given to Daniel.

These three great realities are:

1. The Real Battle

2. The Real Enemy

3. The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Sometimes, when you have something difficult to say to someone you ask them to sit down and then you carefully prepare the wayfor the shocking news that you have to give them.

In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia,

a revelation was given to Daniel

(who was called Belteshazzar).

Its message was true

and it concerned a great war.

God has something disturbing to reveal to Daniel But before he unfolds the revelation he prepares Daniel. It is as if he sits him down and carefully prepares the man.

Reading: Daniel 10:1-21

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We are privileged to have this further record of Daniel’s prayer life and there is much to be learned from observing Daniel praying. However, the true focus of this passage is the Lord, and not Daniel.

Here in this passage we see:

1.    God’s Word

2.    God’s Character

3.    God’s Mercy

4.    God’s Honour

5.    God’s Answer     

Throughout the Book of Daniel the Lord has revealed his Sovereignty -iIn particular his Sovereignty over human history.In visions, dreams and events God revealed this to kings - and in terrifying visions God reminded Daniel that he is in control. I thought, we have been here before, this is the Book of Revelation.

Just as in Revelation, you see the awesome sovereignty of God, and the question arises in your mind, ‘What is my place in all this?’ So the same question arises in the Book of Daniel.

Reading: Daniel 9:1-27

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Ursula and I were in the Welsh citadel of Llangollen. There we stood beside the Llangollen Canal. This was no vision, this was reality. Only ten minutes or so before, we had stood before the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. In fact Ursula, and I walked over this great wonder, but for some the thought is just too much, too terrifying.

Daniel says,

In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign,

I, Daniel, had a vision,

after the one that had already appeared to me.

In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa

n the province of Elam;

in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal.

Daniel was exhausted and lay sick for several days. He was confused, he didn’t understand. A great deal was hidden from him but much was much revealed.

What has this vision to say to us? And how have we to respond?

Reading: Daniel 8:1-27

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The

The Heroes of the faith are commended for their faith in the faithful God … and not for their courage. I find that a great encouragement. I have often wondered how I would cope. I can remember thinking about it as a child. I would hear about Christians suffering for the Lord and I would think to myself, “Would I crumble or cope?”

Like many I am not naturally courageous. But Stephen and Daniel and the heroes of the faith … remind us that it’s not so much about courage but faith. And faith that endures is sustained by your knowledge of God. Both Stephen and Daniel saw the Son of Man standing in the presence of God.

We turn to what is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible - Daniel Chapter Seven.

Reading: Daniel 7:1-28

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A Powerful Reminder

Daniel Chapter 6

Daniel and the Lions’ Den - A favourite story with children. A story we not only told last week. It was a story that the children acted out. But it is much more than a children’s story. It speaks powerfully to us as adults. It is a powerful reminder that … God rules in a pagan land — even in the lions’ den! . . . The years have rolled by, world rulers have come and gone. Indeed, we have a new super power, Medo-Persia. The present world leader is Darius. His prime minister is Daniel - age: at least 80!

As we look around this morning to cast for our dramatic production. We will require some hungry lions with a healthy appetite. We will require some jealous civil servants.We will require some policemen.

Then, there are three main characters:

o   Daniel

o   Darius

o   God

Let’s focus in on these three characters.

Reading: Daniel 6:1-28

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We live in a society that pokes fun at God. We live is an age when tv programmes mock God. We live in an age when celebrities deride the Lord. But this true account says that even kings are accountable.

One day, every knee will bow, and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. The wise person turns from pride and living independent of God. The wise person turns to faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Only the fool says “There is no God.”

Daniel Chapter 5 and the true account of Belshazzar speaks to this present age and western culture.

Reading: Daniel 5:1-31

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You would have thought that by this time Neb would have got the Message that the ‘Most High Rules’. But then, are we any different? God challenges you about trusting him. God speaks to you about turning to him first. You think to yourself, I must remember to trust. But then when the next crisis comes you panic first. You panic, rely on your own resources, then remember to pray! God is patient. He is patient with King Neb. And he is patient with each one of us.

Although we refer to this book as “Daniel” And although Daniel is the human author. The book is not really about Daniel! It is about God!  These first four chapters are about the God of heaven. Not Daniel, or Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego. These four chapters reveal God’s character: His power, his patience, grace and love. As he deals with Nebuchadnezzar.

Reading: Daniel 4:1-37

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego challenge us.  Have you a faith that is seen as dangerous? Have you faith for death and for life? This is not just a challenge to those living under a totalitarian regime or for those living as Muslim Background Believers.  

The challenge is to you and to me, it applies to us — in an increasingly aggressive secular societywhere political correctness is challenging your right to worship God and obey him - where the gods of our culture demand to be worshipped.

Readings Daniel 3:1-30; 1 Peter 4:12-19

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Where does true authority reside? Where does true wisdom  reside? The answer is deeply significant. It can determine how you live. Referring to God, Daniel says, “Wisdom and power are his.”

To the exiles it must have seemed impossible that Babylon would fall. And just as the citizens of Babylon mocked and tormented them. So there are the mockers and the scoffers today. Science has disproved the Bible — how can you believe? But God assures us (you) that that the future is not in doubt. Jesus is God’s Great Ruler and his kingdom lasts forever. It is this view on the world that enables …

Bible Reading: Daniel 2:1-49

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