1/19/13

Bible Reading, Jan. 19


Jan. 19
Genesis 19

Gen 19:1 The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. He bowed himself with his face to the earth,
Gen 19:2 and he said, "See now, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you will rise up early, and go on your way." They said, "No, but we will stay in the street all night."
Gen 19:3 He urged them greatly, and they came in with him, and entered into his house. He made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
Gen 19:4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter.
Gen 19:5 They called to Lot, and said to him, "Where are the men who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may have sex with them."
Gen 19:6 Lot went out to them to the door, and shut the door after him.
Gen 19:7 He said, "Please, my brothers, don't act so wickedly.
Gen 19:8 See now, I have two virgin daughters. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to you. Only don't do anything to these men, because they have come under the shadow of my roof."
Gen 19:9 They said, "Stand back!" Then they said, "This one fellow came in to live as a foreigner, and he appoints himself a judge. Now will we deal worse with you, than with them!" They pressed hard on the man Lot, and drew near to break the door.
Gen 19:10 But the men put forth their hand, and brought Lot into the house to them, and shut the door.
Gen 19:11 They struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
Gen 19:12 The men said to Lot, "Do you have anybody else here? Sons-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whoever you have in the city, bring them out of the place:
Gen 19:13 for we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before Yahweh that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it."
Gen 19:14 Lot went out, and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters, and said, "Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be joking.
Gen 19:15 When the morning came, then the angels hurried Lot, saying, "Get up! Take your wife, and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city."
Gen 19:16 But he lingered; and the men grabbed his hand, his wife's hand, and his two daughters' hands, Yahweh being merciful to him; and they took him out, and set him outside of the city.
Gen 19:17 It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, "Escape for your life! Don't look behind you, and don't stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!"
Gen 19:18 Lot said to them, "Oh, not so, my lord.
Gen 19:19 See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown to me in saving my life. I can't escape to the mountain, lest evil overtake me, and I die.
Gen 19:20 See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn't it a little one?), and my soul will live."
Gen 19:21 He said to him, "Behold, I have granted your request concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken.
Gen 19:22 Hurry, escape there, for I can't do anything until you get there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Gen 19:23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.
Gen 19:24 Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky.
Gen 19:25 He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew on the ground.
Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Gen 19:27 Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he had stood before Yahweh.
Gen 19:28 He looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and looked, and saw that the smoke of the land went up as the smoke of a furnace.
Gen 19:29 It happened, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the middle of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.
Gen 19:30 Lot went up out of Zoar, and lived in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he was afraid to live in Zoar. He lived in a cave with his two daughters.
Gen 19:31 The firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth.
Gen 19:32 Come, let's make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve our father's seed."
Gen 19:33 They made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father. He didn't know when she lay down, nor when she arose.
Gen 19:34 It came to pass on the next day, that the firstborn said to the younger, "Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine again, tonight. You go in, and lie with him, that we may preserve our father's seed."
Gen 19:35 They made their father drink wine that night also. The younger went and lay with him. He didn't know when she lay down, nor when she got up.
Gen 19:36 Thus both of Lot's daughters were with child by their father.
Gen 19:37 The firstborn bore a son, and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day.
Gen 19:38 The younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben Ammi. He is the father of the children of Ammon to this day.


Jan. 19, 20
Matthew 10

Mat 10:1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.
Mat 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother;
Mat 10:3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
Mat 10:4 Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Mat 10:5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, "Don't go among the Gentiles, and don't enter into any city of the Samaritans.
Mat 10:6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Mat 10:7 As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!'
Mat 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.
Mat 10:9 Don't take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts.
Mat 10:10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Mat 10:11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on.
Mat 10:12 As you enter into the household, greet it.
Mat 10:13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn't worthy, let your peace return to you.
Mat 10:14 Whoever doesn't receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet.
Mat 10:15 Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Mat 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Mat 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
Mat 10:18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
Mat 10:19 But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
Mat 10:20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Mat 10:21 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
Mat 10:22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
Mat 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.
Mat 10:24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
Mat 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!
Mat 10:26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known.
Mat 10:27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.
Mat 10:28 Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
Mat 10:29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father's will,
Mat 10:30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Mat 10:31 Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
Mat 10:32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 10:34 "Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35 For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Mat 10:36 A man's foes will be those of his own household.
Mat 10:37 He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn't worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 He who doesn't take his cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 He who seeks his life will lose it; and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.
Mat 10:40 He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives him who sent me.
Mat 10:41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. He who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.
Mat 10:42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."

Daniel: The Vision Of The Time Of The End (II), Mark Copeland

                          "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

            The Vision Of The Time Of The End - II (11:2-35)

INTRODUCTION

1. In the tenth chapter, we saw the beginning of the final vision
   recorded by Daniel...
   a. A vision that pertains to what will affect Daniel's people (i.e.,
      Israel) - Dan 10:14
   b. Describing what will occur "in the latter days, for the vision
      refers to many days yet to come" - Dan 10:14
   c. Its words were to be closed and sealed "till the time of the end"
      - Dan 12:9
   -- For such reasons this vision has been called "The Vision Of The
      Time Of The End"

2. In the introductory remarks of the vision, we were given a glimpse
   of the spiritual warfare that was going on "behind the scenes"...
   a. With angelic forces withstanding each other - Dan 10:13a,20
   b. With angelic forces helping each other - Dan 10:13b,21; 11:1

[Beginning with Dan 11:2, "The Vision Of The Time Of The End" begins in
earnest.  The "glorious man" proceeds to tell Daniel what will happen
"in the latter days" (Dan 10:14), beginning with...]

I. THE PERSIAN-GREEK CONFLICT

   A. FOUR PERSIAN KINGS WILL ARISE...
      1. Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth - Dan 11:2
         a. The fourth shall be far richer than them all
         b. By his strength and riches, the fourth shall stir up all
            against Greece
      2. As confirmed by history, these kings who followed Cyrus (Dan 10:1) were:
         a. Cambyses
         b. Smerdis
         c. Darius Hystaspis (Darius the Great)
         d. Xerxes (called Ahasuerus in the book of Esther - Es 1:1)

   B. A MIGHTY GREEK KING SHALL RISE AND FALL...
      1. A mighty king shall arise - Dan 11:3
         a. He shall rule with great dominion
         b. He shall do according to his will
         -- This was Alexander the Great
      2. His kingdom shall be broken and divided into four pieces - Dan 11:4
         a. This was also prophesied in Dan 8:21-22
         b. The kingdom will not be given to his posterity, nor will
            the dominion be as great
         c. As confirmed by history, Alexander's empire was eventually
            divided between his four generals after he died in 323 B.C.
            1) Seleucus I - who began the Seleucid (Syrian) empire,
               from Turkey to India
            2) Cassander - who took over Macedonia (Greece)
            3) Lysimachus - who took Thracia (between Greece and
               Turkey)
            4) Ptolemy I - who ruled over Egypt

[At this point, the "glorious man" begins to describe an extended
conflict between "the kings of the North" and "the kings of the South"
which will have a big impact upon the people of Daniel (Israel)...]

II. THE EGYPTIAN-SYRIAN CONFLICT

   A. THE CONFLICT WILL BEGIN...
      1. The "king of the South" will gain in strength - Dan 11:5a
         a. This king is Ptolemy I
         b. Who ruled Egypt (306-284 B.C.)
      2. As well as "one of his princes", who will gain power over the
         other - Dan 11:5b
         a. This is thought to refer to one of Alexander's princes
            (generals)
         b. In which case it is Seleucus I, who ruled Syria (312-280
            B.C.)
      -- Caught in the middle between Syria and Egypt, Israel will bear
         the brunt of much of the conflict between these two empires

   B. THERE WILL BE A FAILED ALLIANCE...
      1. The "daughter of the South" will go to the "king of the North"
         - Dan 11:6a
         a. The event occurred in the reigns of Ptolemy Philadelphus
            (284-246 B.C.) and Antiochus Theus (261-246 B.C.)
         b. Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy Philadelphus was given to
            Antiochus, upon the condition that Antiochus divorce his
            wife Laodice
         c. Hoping to make peace between Egypt and Syria
      2. But the "daughter of the South" will not retain her authority
         - Dan 11:6b
         a. Two years after the marriage, Berenice's father (Ptolemy
            Philadelphus) died
         b. Antiochus put her away and restored his first wife Laodice
         c. Laodice killed Antiochus, and Berenice fled, but was later
            put to death along with her children and attendants

   C. THE SOUTH WILL RISE IN ANGER...
      1. A "branch of her roots" will come with an army - Dan 11:7
         a. This was Berenice's brother, Ptolemy Euregetes (246-221
            B.C.)
         b. Who failing to save his sister, attacked Syria to avenge
            her death
      2. The avenger (Ptolemy Euregetes) will succeed - Dan 11:8
         a. Euregetes took their gods, princes, and precious articles
            to Egypt
         b. Euregetes ruled longer than the next Seleucid king,
            Seleucid Callinicus (246-226 B.C.)

   D. THE CONFLICT WILL ACCELERATE...
      1. The "king of the North" (Seleucid Callinicus) will try to
         invade the kingdom of the South - Dan 11:9-10
         a. He does not succeed, though his sons (Seleucid Ceraunus and
            Antiochus the Great) shall stir up strife
         b. One son in particular, Antiochus the Great (225-187 B.C.),
            does succeed in overwhelming Egypt (actually, regain Syrian
            land taken by Egypt)
      2. The "king of the South" will respond in rage - Dan 11:11-13
         a. This king of Egypt is Ptolemy Philopator (221-204 B.C.)
         b. Angry that Antiochus the Great regained control of Syrian
            territory, he gathered a great army and defeated Antiochus
            at Raphia
         c. His victory was short-lived, for Antiochus returned with a
            better-equipped army in 203 B.C.
      3. Others will contribute to the war against the South - Dan 11:14
         a. This included Philip, king of Macedon, who aligned with
            Antiochus
         b. Also some violent Jews, prompted by what they perceived as
            the fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall
      4. The "king of the North" shall prevail against the South, but
         then fall - Dan 11:15-19
         a. Again, this is Antiochus the Great
            1) The forces of the South were not able to resist him
            2) He stood in the "Glorious Land" (Israel) with
               destruction in his power
         b. He tried to strengthen his kingdom by giving his daughter
            in marriage
            1) His daughter Cleopatra, given to Ptolemy Epiphanes (204-
               180 B.C.)
            2) But she came to favor the purposes of her husband rather
               than her father
         c. Antiochus then turned his attention to the coastlands
            (Mediterranean)
            1) Making war with the Romans
            2) But was defeated by Scipio Asiaticus, a Roman military
               leader
         d. Defeated by the Romans, Antiochus the Great returned home
            and died soon after

[At this point our attention is focused on one leader of the Seleucid
(Syrian) empire, who would have a powerful impact upon the people of
Daniel, Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.)...]

III. THE RISE OF ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES

   A. PRECEDED BY A TAX COLLECTOR...
      1. One who will impose taxes on the "glorious kingdom" (Israel?)
         - Dan 11:20
         a. This is Seleucus Philopator (187-175 B.C.)
         b. Oldest son of Antiochus, and his immediate successor
      2. Whose reign will be short-lived
         a. Compared to his father, who reigned thirty-seven years
         b. Who died, not in battle, but was poisoned

   B. THEN WILL COME A VILE MAN WITH NO HONOR...
      1. Held in contempt, the people will not give him honor - Dan 11:21
         a. His official name was Antiochus "Epiphanes" (the
            Illustrious)
         b. His people refereed to him as Antiochus "Epimanes" (the
            Insane)
      2. He shall take the kingdom peaceably, but with intrigue - Dan 11:21-24
         a. This may refer to his dealings with the Egyptians (or
            perhaps Israel)
         b. After making a league with them, he will act deceitfully
            and become strong with a small number of people
         c. Through peaceful means he will plunder the riches places of
            the province
      3. He will provoke the "king of the South" - Dan 11:25-28
         a. Two times Antiochus invaded Egypt
         b. The Egyptian king, Ptolemy Physcon, sought to oppose him,
            but was betrayed by his own people
         c. Both kings were deceitful liars, but their plotting was
            subject to the times and manner appointed by God
         d. On his return home, Antiochus passed through Israel, and
            was moved against the holy covenant (the institutions of
            the Law of Moses)

   C. HE WILL BRING BLASPHEMIES AGAINST ISRAEL...
      1. Once again Antiochus Epiphanes will head toward the South 
         - Dan 11:29-30a
         a. This was his third invasion
         b. But he was not as successful as before
         c. For Roman ships from Cyprus (Kittim) threatened reprisal 
      2. Frustrated, he will take out his rage against "the holy
         covenant" - Dan 11:30b-32a
         a. By showing regard for those who forsake the holy covenant
         b. By defiling the sanctuary fortress (i.e., the temple)
         c. By taking away the daily sacrifices
         d. By placing there "the abomination of desolation"
         e. By flattering those who do wickedly against the covenant
      3. In the years 169-167 B.C., Antiochus Epiphanes:
         a. Took the city of Jerusalem and plundered the temple
         b. Commanded the Jews to worship the Greek idol which he set
            up in the temple
         c. Put an end to daily sacrifices and polluted the altar by
            offering swine flesh on it
         d. Forbid circumcision, the observance of the Sabbath, and
            possession of a copy of the law

   D. THOSE WHO KNOW GOD WILL RESIST VALIANTLY...
      1. They shall be strong - Dan 11:32b-33a
         a. Carrying out great exploits
         b. Instructing many 
      2. When they fall, they shall receive aid - Dan 11:33b-34
         a. For many days they shall fall by sword, flame, captivity
            and plunder
         b. They will receive a little help, even from many through
            intrigue
      4. When those of understanding fall, it will be to refine them
         - Dan 11:35
         a. To purge them, and make them white
         b. Until "the time of the end; because it is still for the
            appointed time."
      -- The events described here were fulfilled during the Maccabean
         period, which began in 168 B.C. with the revolt of Mattathias
         (an elderly priest) and his five sons

CONCLUSION

1. Up to this point, there is little controversy over the content of
   the vision...
   a. It describes the conflict between the Persians and the Greeks,
      followed by the conflict between the Syrians and the Egyptians
   b. The latter described in detail, because Israel was caught in the
      middle
   c. Israel in particular would suffer the blasphemies of one Syrian
      king, Antiochus Epiphanes

2. From Dan 11:36 on, there is quite a diversity of opinions...
   a. Some believe Antiochus Epiphanes is still the subject
   b. Others suggest that a Roman emperor is being described
   c. Still others believe it refers to someone yet to come

We shall examine the remaining portion of this chapter and the final
chapter in our next study...

Note:  The historical information in this lesson was taken from Albert
       Barnes' commentary on Daniel.

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

1/18/13

Sorrow, sin and the path to true happiness




Click on the above link to view

It is cold in Florida this morning; somehow, I just can't seem to get warm!!!  So, I thought I would cheer myself up with a cup of hot coffee and some humor.  Bill Cosby is almost ALWAYS FUNNY, so one of the first things I did early this morning (about 6 am) was to view his video on "Dentists".  I can't explain it, but somehow a little laughter made me feel better (and the coffee didn't hurt either)!!!  One minute I was feeling cold and grumpy and the next laughing and feeling warmer.  Life is like that; feelings change, WE CHANGE!!!!  Unpleasantness can turn to happiness, sorrow into joy!!! But, what about the reverse?  Glance at these two verses and see what I am talking about...

Luke, Chapter 6
 21  Blessed are you who hunger now, 
for you will be filled. 
Blessed are you who weep now, 

25  Woe to you, you who are full now, 
for you will be hungry. 
Woe to you who laugh now, 
for you will mourn and weep. 

We are blessed with many material "things" in this country because of our founding fathers desire to have "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".  And we still have our freedoms (sort of).  However, even IF America should somehow return to the way it was in the 1950's, sooner or later we will grow old and die.  Then who is laughing?  Only those who have looked beyond the things of this world; considered the true aspect of life- spirituality!!! It is easy to laugh at someone who is enduring a dentist visit, but do we laugh at the stupid, foolish and nonsensical things we all do--EVERYDAY???  Life is more than just being successful, rich or powerful-- its knowing God and living with HIM, everyday!!!  Its really looking at our life and seeing it as God must--though the prism of righteousness.  When we honestly review our life and see the errors (the sin) that beset us all, we will mourn and weep (vs 25 above).  At precisely that moment, Jesus can bring happiness and laughter and satisfaction again.  Not from a joke, or a skit or a "thing", but with love and forgiveness.  Something to think about on a cold January morning before the light of day!!!




Church Shopping


Spending Time with Jim McGuiggan

Church Shopping

That's an ugly expression but it reflects on an ugly thing that has become part of Western Christianity. In a world where individualism is pandemic and our "rights" have become a near obsession "church shopping" isn't too shabby a phrase to cover what we do. And yet, we ought to be shopping.
P.T. Forsyth a Scots theologian of some years ago became incensed when he thought of the way churches were viewed and viewed themselves. He thundered out against people asking what the church's programmes were like, what it could do for them as potential members or what its record of successes was like. He insisted that we shouldn't ask for its programmes or even its piety but instead we should ask, "What is your gospel?" He was blisteringly, scathingly and cuttingly right! For what difference does it make how successful it is as a religious body or how well it caters for the youth or how involved it is in community benevolence if its gospel is not the "gospel"?
I admitted at the beginning of these suggestions that there's something silly about pretending I could begin again. But I now know that what makes a church great and what makes a church the kind of church that I should urge my family to be involved with is one that knows and loves the gospel that centres in the God who ultimately revealed himself in Jesus Christ at the cross.
Not only do all Christians need to be part of a local congregation of Christ, they should be. We aren't strong enough to make it on our own. We are sub-Christian if we attempt to make it on our own. Christians have been added to the Body of Christ, which manifests itself in and as local assemblies.
But see to it that you look out for a congregation that focuses on the gospel of God. That understands what the church is and is not to be. A church that will feed you on the living bread of Christ. A church where the teachers take seriously their calling and work with scripture so that they will shape all the members for service to God in a body which is indeed the body of Christ.
All good advice no doubt but how do the inexperienced go about this? Yes, this is a tricky question. Well, when in trusting repentance you've been baptised into union with the living Christ you are his so trust him to help you find such a place. Tell him it's the kind of place you want because you're hungry to get to know and love him so you can reach out and bless others also. Rejoice in the hunger you feel for the rich truth of the gospel because it's God's work in you and fervently ask him for more. Listen to what's being offered, what's usually talked about in classes and from pulpits and you'll get to know if that church is parading itself or the Master. Is it ceaselessly "issue" oriented, endlessly asking for money to support its projects or is it clear that it's central business is to "grow"? If you've no reason to believe that God's redeeming work in Christ for the world is the vibrant centre of that church's faith and that reverent attention is paid to God's word you need to continue praying and looking. But if you have reason to believe that their benevolence, community outreach and moral development is fuelled by the big, rich truths of the gospel you should thank God and stick to that group like glue.

Bible Reading, Jan. 18


Jan. 18
Genesis 18

Gen 18:1 Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day.
Gen 18:2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,
Gen 18:3 and said, "My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don't go away from your servant.
Gen 18:4 Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
Gen 18:5 I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant." They said, "Very well, do as you have said."
Gen 18:6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly make ready three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes."
Gen 18:7 Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it.
Gen 18:8 He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.
Gen 18:9 They said to him, "Where is Sarah, your wife? He said, "See, in the tent."
Gen 18:10 He said, "I will certainly return to you when the season comes round. Behold, Sarah your wife will have a son." Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.
Gen 18:11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. It had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Gen 18:12 Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"
Gen 18:13 Yahweh said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Will I really bear a child, yet I am old?'
Gen 18:14 Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a son."
Gen 18:15 Then Sarah denied, saying, "I didn't laugh," for she was afraid. He said, "No, but you did laugh."
Gen 18:16 The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way.
Gen 18:17 Yahweh said, "Will I hide from Abraham what I do,
Gen 18:18 seeing that Abraham has surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him?
Gen 18:19 For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him."
Gen 18:20 Yahweh said, "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,
Gen 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know."
Gen 18:22 The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before Yahweh.
Gen 18:23 Abraham drew near, and said, "Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?
Gen 18:24 What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it?
Gen 18:25 Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth do right?"
Gen 18:26 Yahweh said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake."
Gen 18:27 Abraham answered, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord, who am but dust and ashes.
Gen 18:28 What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?" He said, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."
Gen 18:29 He spoke to him yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found there?" He said, "I will not do it for the forty's sake."
Gen 18:30 He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?" He said, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."
Gen 18:31 He said, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake."
Gen 18:32 He said, "Oh don't let the Lord be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" He said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake."
Gen 18:33 Yahweh went his way, as soon as he had finished communing with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.

Daniel: The Vision Of The Time Of The End, Mark Copeland

                          "THE BOOK OF DANIEL"

           The Vision Of The Time Of The End - I (10:1-11:1)

INTRODUCTION

1. As mentioned in previous lessons, the second half of Daniel contains
   four visions...
   a. The vision of the four beasts - Dan 7:1-28
   b. The vision of the ram and the goat - Dan 8:1-27
   c. The vision of the seventy weeks - Dan 9:1-27
   d. The vision of the time of the end - Dan 10:1-12:13
   -- In which God reveals to Daniel many things about His purpose and
      plan in history, regarding the nation of Israel and the
      everlasting kingdom to come

2. In the tenth chapter, therefore, we find the beginning of the final
   vision recorded by Daniel...
   a. A vision that pertains to what will affect Daniel's people (i.e.,
      Israel) - Dan 10:14
   b. Describing what will occur "in the latter days, for the vision
      refers to many days yet to come" - Dan 10:14
   c. Its words were to be closed and sealed "till the time of the end"
      - Dan 12:9
   -- For such reasons this vision has been called "The Vision Of The
      Time Of The End"

3. But what is meant by the expression "the time of the end"?
   a. Is it the end of time as we think of it, when Christ returns?
   b. Or does it refer to the end of God's dealings with Israel as His
      covenant nation?

[As we seek to address this and other questions raised in this
difficult portion of Scripture, we first notice...]

I. THE APPEARANCE OF A GLORIOUS MAN

   A. THE DATE AND SETTING OF THE VISION...
      1. It occurred in the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, on the
         24th day of the first month (ca. 535 B.C.) - Dan 10:1,4
      2. Daniel had been in mourning (fasting) for three weeks - Dan10:2,3
      3. He was beside the Tigris river - Dan 10:4

   B. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE GLORIOUS MAN...
      1. Daniel saw a certain man - Dan 10:5-6
         a. Clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz
         b. With a body like beryl
         c. His face like lightning, his eyes like torches of fire
         d. His arms and feet like burnished bronze in color
         e. His words like the voice of a multitude
      2. Only Daniel saw the vision - Dan 10:7
         a. The men with him did not
         b. They fled with great terror to hide themselves
      3. The impact on Daniel - Dan 10:8-9
         a. Without strength, his vigor turned to frailty (he was
            probably in his nineties!)
         b. When he heard the sounds of the man's words, Daniel was in
            a deep sleep with his face to the ground

[The similarity between this "certain man" and John's vision of the Son
of Man (cf. Re 1:12-17) have led many to wonder if this was a
Christophany (an appearance of the preincarnate Christ); but he may
have been only an angel.  As we continue, we next read of...]

II. THE CONVERSATION WITH THE GLORIOUS MAN

   A. THE MAN'S INITIAL WORDS TO DANIEL...
      1. A hand touches Daniel, causing him to tremble - Dan 10:10
      2. The man addresses Daniel - Dan 10:11
         a. Calling him "man greatly beloved" - cf. Dan 9:23; 10:19
         b. For Daniel to understand, and to stand up
         c. For the man has been sent to Daniel
         -- Daniel stands up, but trembling
      3. The man comforts Daniel - Dan 10:12
         a. Telling him not to fear
         b. That he has come because of Daniel's humility, and desire
            to understand
      4. The man explains the reason for the delay - Dan 10:13
         a. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood him
            twenty-one days (the same time during which Daniel had been
            in mourning - cf. Dan 10:2-3)
            1) Spiritual warfare seems to have been taking place (cf.
               Re 12:7; Ep 6:12)
            2) The "prince" (angel?) of the kingdom of Persia had been
               withstanding him - cf. Dan 11:1
         b. But Michael came to help him who had been left alone with
            the kings of Persia
            1) Michael is described as "one of the chief princes"
            2) Later he is called "your prince" and "the great prince
               who stands watch over the sons of your people" - Dan10:21; 12:1
            3) Jude calls him "the archangel", who contended with the
               devil over the body of Moses - Jude 9
            -- Michael appears to have served as the guardian of the
               nation of Israel
      5. But now the man has come make Daniel understand - Dan 10:14
         a. What will happen to his people (Israel)
         b. What will occur "in the latter days", "many days yet to
            come"
         -- From what follows, the expression "latter days" appears to
            refer to the time leading up to the coming of the Messiah
            and into the Messianic period (Harkrider) - cf. Dan 2:28;
            Ac 2:16-17

   B. DANIEL IS STRENGTHENED...
      1. Daniel is initially speechless - Dan 10:15-17
         a. With his face turned to the ground
         b. But one with "the likeness of the sons of men" touched his
            lips (some think this may have been Gabriel, who had helped
            Daniel before - Dan 8:16)
         c. Daniel can now speak, but is overwhelmed with sorrow and
            without strength
      2. Daniel is strengthened - Dan 10:18-19
         a. By the touch of the one having the likeness of a man
         b. By the words bestowing love, peace and courage
         c. Ready now to hear what he has to say

   C. THE MAN RESUMES HIS WORDS WITH DANIEL...
      1. Though he must soon return - Dan 10:20
         a. To fight with the prince (angel?) of Persia
         b. To deal with the prince (angel?) of Greece yet to come
      2. Yet he will tell Daniel what is noted in the Scripture of
         Truth - Dan 10:21-11:1
         a. Adding that only Michael helps him against them (the
            angelic princes of Persia and Greece) - cf. Dan 10:13
         b. Adding that he had confirmed and strengthened him
            (Michael?) in the first year of Darius the Mede

CONCLUSION

1. At this point (Dan 11:2), "The Vision Of The Time Of The End" begins
   in earnest...
   a. Describing what will happen "in the latter days"
   b. Referring to what will occur "many days yet to come"
   -- Which we shall examine when we resume our study in the next
      lesson

2. In these introductory remarks of the vision, we find a glimpse of
   the spiritual warfare that was going on "behind the scenes"...
   a. With angelic forces withstanding each other - Dan 10:13a,20
   b. With angelic forces helping each other - Dan 10:13b,21; 11:1
   c. With Michael introduced to Daniel as:
      1) "one of the chief princes" - Dan 10:13
      2) "your prince" - Dan 10:21
      3) "the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your
         people" - Dan 12:1

While there is little we truly know about this "spiritual warfare", and
to what extent it may be going on today, perhaps our study will
encourage us to take more seriously Paul's words:

   "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
   principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
   darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in
   the heavenly places."

   "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able
   to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

                                                   - Ep 6:12-13

What are we doing to take up the armor of God, that we might be strong
in the Lord and in the power of His might (cf. Ep 6:10-18)?
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011