STANDING FIRM IN BABYLON

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 2/26, 7:00 pm), join your Calvary Chapel family at the Holy Grounds Cafe or online through our website (www. calvaryinv. com), Facebook, and YouTube (Calvary Inverness) as we begin studying the book of Daniel (1:1-21). It is one of the most remarkable sets of prophecies ever recorded.

Daniel provides such intricate details about the future that many believe he could not have written it. Liberal scholars argue that Daniel could not have authored the book; instead, they suggest that someone who lived later wrote it as a historical account rather than a prophecy.

Jesus addressed this so-called controversy when He referred to Daniel while teaching about the future, saying, “Therefore, when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15).

The book consists of two main sections. The first six chapters primarily narrate how God positioned Daniel among the most powerful men on Earth. He lived through the Babylonian reigns of Nabopolassar, Nebuchadnezzar, Evil-Merodach, Neriglissar-Labashi-Marduk, Nabonidus, Belshazzar, Cyrus, and Darius the Mede, as well as the rulers of Judah: Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.

This section also includes the dream that God revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in chapter two, which outlines His divine plan for the nations, culminating in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

The second section (chapters seven through twelve) contains prophecies given to Daniel through a vision. This vision relates to Israel and the Middle East. Some of the nations mentioned in the prophecies did not exist at that time, which is one reason the book faces intense scrutiny.

The book of Daniel has been given to us for several reasons. First, it strengthens our confidence in God and His Word. Second, we are reminded that "He rules over all and overrules all for His Sovereign Purpose." Third, it helps us understand that God works for and through those who are fully surrendered to Him.

Please pray that open hearts will welcome this journey through the Word of God, yearning to grow in Jesus’ grace and knowledge. Furthermore, He will accomplish profound and lasting work in and through us for a world desperately needing a Savior.

In His Strong Love,

Pastor