This is the first chapter in Daniel of what is called apocalyptic literature. The purpose of this kind of writing in the Bible is to describe the struggle between God and his enemies using very colourful imagery. In this chapter the beasts, and the horns stand for evil kingdoms which seek to harm and destroy the people of God. The message of the chapter is that God will judge the evil kingdoms and that the son of man will have an everlasting dominion.
Read Daniel 7:1-28
To understand the gospel we must understand what we are saved from. This passage teaches that apart from salvation all of mankind is unrighteous before God. It shows us a number of the characteristics of our sinfulness and confronts us with the truth that we are all accountable to God. The passage makes it clear that there is no hope of salvation from man’s side. We need to be rescued. The verses and chapters that follow describe how God does this in Christ.
Read Romans 3:9-20
To understand the gospel we must understand what we are saved from. This passage teaches that apart from salvation all of mankind is unrighteous before God. It shows us a number of the characteristics of our sinfulness and confronts us with the truth that we are all accountable to God. The passage makes it clear that there is no hope of salvation from man’s side. We need to be rescued. The verses and chapters that follow describe how God does this in Christ.
Read Daniel 6:1-28
The Thessalonians were facing persecution and questions concerning the return of Christ. These difficulties were discouraging for them. In this text Paul prays that they will be encouraged and strengthened. He also mention truths which were designed to be an encouragement for them.
The overall message of this chapter is that one cannot defy the living God and get away with it. This is a warning passage which stresses that our lives are in God’s hands, they are evaluated by God and if found wanting punishment will follow. The good news in the passage is that God calls to repentance and God will deliver those who humble themselves before him.
Read Daniel 5:1-31
This passage marks the end of Jesus public ministry in John’s gospel. Jesus summarizes the message that he has been teaching and he does so with a note of urgency that underscores the great significance of how we respond to him.
Read John 12:44-50
In this passage, God humbles proud Nebuchadnezzar. The story teaches us about the pride that is in all of us by nature and the grace of God in bringing people to humble themselves before him.
Read Daniel 4:1-37
Some of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but did not confess him openly because “they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” This is a sin which which we all struggle. The solution is found in Christ who because he loved praise from God more than praise from men was crucified and rose from the dead, obtaining for us forgiveness and the transforming power of resurrection life.
Read John 12:42-43
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who disobey the kings order to bow down to his idol is told to remind us to resist pressure from the world to join in its sin regardless of the cost. Jesus resisted this pressure perfectly and his perfect record is placed on the account of those who trust him.
Read Daniel 3:1-30
This passage comes near the end of Jesus’s public ministry in John’s account and answers the question of why so many of the Jewish people did not believe in Jesus.
Read John 12:37-41
