In our day when it is simply assumed that teenagers will rebel, continue their self-destruction in college, then graduate for a decade of dating, relating, and fornicating, the example of Daniel is clearly counter-cultural. As a teenager away from his homeland, church, and family and pressured to the point of death to rebel against God, Daniel remains resolutely steadfast in his faithfulness to God. Daniel means “God is my judge.” This name summarizes how Daniel lived his life. Even though... Read more

As you read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, it can be difficult to make sense of all the kings and nations. This is especially true in Daniel as his prophetic missionary ministry in Babylon continued throughout the reign of four kings, and also foretells of additional nations rising up in history after his death. For the original readers, these details would be as familiar to us as the high-profile nations and political leaders on the world stage that dominate... Read more

The genre of literature that Daniel falls into is apocalyptic prophecy. Using highly symbolic language, the book speaks of the following periods of history: The past commands and warnings of God serve as the backdrop for God’s people being conquered by a demonic nation that plunders and enslaves them. God, through the prophet Isaiah, was very clear that if they did not stop acting ungodly, they would be taken captive to Babylon. Isaiah 39:5-7: says, “Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear... Read more

As you read Daniel, you will find the following three kinds of people. The point is to show you your options on which kind of person you will be and how you will live your life during your Babylonian exile here on earth. A godly few. Daniel and his friends are a godly minority. They repeatedly face opposition, persecution, and attempts at execution because their loyalty is to God and God alone. Daniel is not perfect, but he is godly.... Read more

Behind the reality that we see is the reality that God sees. In addition to human life, God also created divine life referred to throughout the Bible as angels, stars (because they are between us and God in creation), cherubim, seraphim, sons of God, the gods, the divine council, assembly of the holy ones, council of the holy ones, hosts, seat of the gods, mount of assembly, the court in judgment, and the heavenly host. The same God who made... Read more

As we enter an election year, Christians will be increasingly torn in their loyalties as politics will dominate the media and social media. Sadly, a sense of pressured urgency has already begun to polarize Christians into warring factions. It is possible that the average Bible-believing Jesus-loving church- attending Christian is torn and troubled wishing there was an option between veering to the right or left. Thankfully, there is an option. That option is going up to the King and Kingdom... Read more

Philippians 2:19-24 – I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just... Read more