It is crucial that the Christian understands that in Christ we have died to the rule and reign of sin. This is a fact which has taken place in every real Christian. It is not something we are to keep trying to accomplish. It is already done. What we must realize is that it HAS been done.
The parable of the rich fool teaches us many dangers to beware of, even within ourselves. Christ is the only true treasure and without Him the richest man in the world is bankrupt.
Wise or Foolish? Are we building on the Rock who is Christ or are we building our lives and eternity on the sand?
Daniel's prayer for his nation is a model to instruct us how to pray for our own sinful nation.
Many Christians are still paralyzed by the shame of their past sins before Christ saved them. They think that they are only worthy of being a servant in God's house rather than a son. But where sin increased, grace abounds all the more.
The Word of God is the only weapon which is effective to free the sinner from the darkness of the prison which Satan keeps him bound in.
Many professing Christians believe that being "good" is what will insure entrance into God's kingdom. This is what the rich young ruler believed when he came to Jesus, but he was in for a shock. He refused to give up his idol.
In this sermon preached by Martyn Lloyd-Jones back in 1966, he emphasizes that the new birth is not something we do, it is something that is done TO US by God. Many if not most professing Christians get this wrong. They think being a Christian is to "make a decision," and they push on in sanctification without ever having begun by being born again.
In this vision, Daniel is shown a more detailed view of the Little Horn, the Antichrist, who was introduced in chapter 7. It is vital for us to once again see that God is sovereign over the nations. The man of sin will arise and conquer, but his time is short, as decreed by the Lord.
In Daniel's vision, we once again see this great theme of God's sovereignty over the nations and over all of history. We also look at Scriptures which elaborate on the identity of the "little horn."
